Celiac disease common in kids with type 1 diabetes

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Celiac disease affects about one out of eight children with type 1 diabetes, and leads to stunted growth, according to a study conducted in Denmark.

Celiac disease is caused by allergy to gluten, mainly found in wheat. It can cause intestinal cramping, pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss. In the current study, the researchers found that a gluten-free diet relieved symptoms and restored normal growth patterns.

Dr. Dorte Hansen and her associates first identified all patients younger than 16 years old with type 1 diabetes living in four counties in Denmark. Of these, 269 (89 percent) agreed to participate.

Hansen, from Odense University Hospital, and her team found that 33 patients had celiac disease, corresponding to a prevalence of 12.3 percent.

Children with celiac disease had significantly lower height and weight, the investigators report in the November issue of Diabetes Care.

The kids with celiac disease were put on a strict gluten-free diet and followed for 2 years. Among the 24 children who stuck to the diet, symptoms of celiac disease resolved, weight rose significantly, and height also increased among those who were less than 14 years old.

However, overall control of diabetes and blood sugar levels were not affected by the diet.

Based on their results, Hansen's group recommends "regular screening for celiac disease in all children with type 1 diabetes."

SOURCE: Diabetes Care, November 2006.