Celiac and type 1 diabetes

[Fbmb]

I know that about 6% of people who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are eventually diagnosed with celiac disease. I’m curious if anyone knows what the stats are the other way around. Specifically, are people who are diagnosed with celiac disease at a high risk of developing type 1 diabetes after? 

Most of the literature that I’ve seen for this connection discusses the fact that type 1 diabetics also tend to have a high chance of developing celiac disease, but I’m not sure if people who have celiac disease are at a high risk of developing T1D if they didn’t have T1D when diagnosed with celiac disease.

Hopefully my question makes sense. I’m starting to think I need to establish an appointment with an endocrinelongist or rheumatologist to help me answer some of my AI questions. I don’t know that my gastroenterologist knows much about other AI issues, aside from the ones that impact the GI system.

[Fbmb]

I will say that when I asked my GI doctor about other AI issues to look out for he said that he wants me to have my thyroid checked each year and that he would like to keep an eye on my liver. He said that T1D is connected, but that it’s not typical to get celiac disease first - that T1D is usually diagnosed in adolescents or children, and that by 30 my chances of developing it were rather low. 

I also know that adults can develop it though, so that’s why I’m asking for thoughts from the group. Just curious about what your doctors have said.

[Ennis-TX]

I think this varies greatly, with factors including diet, activity levels, and genetics. I have the gene for T1, the same gene gave me celiac, and UC, and might give me RA (https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/Rs6822844). Not been tested for diabetes, in over 2 years. 

Many celiacs mess up, they try to keep bread, pizza, pasta, noodles, etc a staple in their diet. The Gluten-Free Versions of these are often loaded with starches and quick carbs and will lead to insulin resistance and diabetes among other health issues. Most do not try to find keto or low carb versions to keep this in check, and only have them for a treat.

[cyclinglady]

Man, your doctor is way out of touch with diabetes!  

You can develop type 1 diabetes at anytime in your life.  It is called LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults).  Just like you can develop celiac disease at anytime in your life.   Type 1 diabetes, thyroid and celiac disease are commonly linked, but you can develop lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or whatever too.  Remember, they once used to think celiac disease occurred in only small children.  

https://beyondtype1.org/what-is-lada-diabetes/

If your blood sugar is wacky, you can ask for antibodies testing for type 1 diabetes or you have symptoms of TD1 (weight loss, thirst, lots of urine).

I have diabetes.  I choose to monitor it myself and opted not to get antibodies testing with my doctors support.  I am thin, in shape, but I do have a family history of type 2.  So far, it appears I am just insulin resistant and I have managed on a low carb high fat diet for five years.   I do my best to keep my blood sugar controlled by diet because I do not want to take Metformin which is first line of defense drug for TD2s because it causes GI upset.  Really?  Do I need more GI upset?  If things change, you bet I will be at my doctor’s office asking to get antibodies testing so I can go to insulin which is what a person with autoimmune diabetes (type 1) needs.  

I work with my GP, allergist and GI for most issues.  My GPs have been pretty supportive.  They know that I research and I am compliant for medications and diet (I am a healed celiac).  I have never seen an endocrinologist and I have had Hashimoto’s for 20 years).  From what I have heard on diabetes forums, it is really up to the patient to manage diabetes, just like celiac disease.  So, patient knowledge is key.  

My GI is cool.  He knows I have allergies to even acetaminophen!  So, my goal is to use diet, exercise and stress relief to manage my illnesses.  That may change someday, but for now he respects my decision.  

 

Edited March 7, 2019 by cyclinglady

[Posterboy]

Fbmb,

There is/was  actually an article on celiac.com today that might answer some of your questions.

And here is the research I think you asked about ...I was curious my self a few months ago when I found out a friends child had Type 1 Juvenile diabetes so I was interested to see if there was a connection. ...it turns out there is.

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/5/e418

Just read the abstract (unless you want to read the whole article  and have some time to do it). . .it summarizes the connection well.. ..but I will quote their conclusion. . .because it establishes timeline.

quoting

"Conclusion. An excellent correlation was observed between IgA antiendomysium and IgA antitransglutaminase antibodies. We therefore propose using IgA antitransglutaminase as a screening test for practical reasons. Furthermore, IgA antitransglutaminase levels and mucosa abnormalities were closely correlated. The presence of antitransglutaminase antibodies should alert pediatricians to the atypical forms of celiac disease. This study indicates that celiac disease is most often present before the onset of diabetes."

while this does not prove causation ...they indicate celiac disease often presents before the diabetes.....I have a  theory of why this is but don't have time to go into right now . ..and it would make the post too long....so maybe another day...when I have more time.

I hope this helpful but it is not medical advice.

2 Tim 2:7 “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” this included.

Posterboy by the grace of God,