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Prevalence of Celiac disease in children with type 1 diabetes

by Medindia Content Team on Nov 2 2006 5:05 PM

A recent study reveals that 1-in-8 children with type-1 diabetes are affected by celiac disease.

The allergy to gluten, largely present in wheat, results in celiac disease, which is characterized by intestinal cramping, pain, bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss. It also causes stunted growth.

In this study, it was revealed that a gluten-free diet reduced the symptoms. Even the long-term effects on growth were restored.

Dr. Dorte Hansen, from Odense University Hospital and her team carried out the study on 269 patients of age less than 16 years with type -1 diabetes. Of the 269 patients, 33 were affected by celiac disease. Hence the frequency rate was 12.3%.

The children identified with this disease were put on a strict gluten-free diet and were monitored for 2 years. There was a remarkable increase in weight in the 24 kids who strictly followed the diet till the end of the study. The symptoms of celiac disease also reduced. There was a significant gain in height among kids under the age of 14 years.

But, this diet did not have any effect on the control of diabetes and blood sugar levels. The researchers advice a routine screening for celiac disease in all the kids with type-1 diabetes.

This study was published in the November issue of Diabetes Care.

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Source-Medindia
GYT


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