It’s estimated that 5-10% of people with type 1 diabetes may have coeliac disease. Some people with type 2 diabetes also develop coeliac disease, but the two conditions are not related. 

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten causing inflammation and damage to the small intestine. Inflammation can also occur in other parts of the body. The damage to the small intestine affects its ability to absorb nutrients from food, which can lead to nutritional and growth deficiencies. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. The only treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong gluten free diet. Following a gluten free diet prevents further damage to the small intestine, and allows it to steadily repair itself so that symptoms resolve and nutrition from food can be absorbed properly. 

Healthy eating for diabetes 

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease? How is coeliac disease diagnosed? For more information about healthy eating, gluten free carbohydrate foods and what healthy eating for diabetes includes, we have developed the Coeliac and Diabetes factsheet in conjunction with Coeliac Australia.  

Gluten free carbohydrate list 

Download the Gluten Free Carbohydrate List for a list of gluten free carbohydrate foods, respective carb grams per serve and the carbohydrate exchange. 

Need more help? 

If you have type 1 diabetes and are concerned about developing coeliac disease talk to your healthcare team. They can ensure you undergo routine screening at recommended times. 

If you have type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, see your accredited practising dietitian for assistance in making sure all your nutritional requirements are met. 

References 

Taczanowska, A., Schwandt, A., Amed, S., Tóth‐Heyn, P., Kanaka‐Gantenbein, C., Volsky, S. K., Svensson, J., & Szypowska, A. (2020). Celiac disease in children with type 1 diabetes varies around the world: An international, cross‐sectional study of 57 375 patients from the SWEET registry. Journal of Diabetes, 13(6), 448–457. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-0407.13126  

Craig, M. E., Prinz, N., Boyle, C. T., Campbell, F. M., Jones, T. W., Hofer, S. E., Simmons, J. H., Holman, N., Tham, E., Fröhlich-Reiterer, E., DuBose, S., Thornton, H., King, B., Maahs, D. M., Holl, R. W., & Warner, J. T. (2017). Prevalence of Celiac Disease in 52,721 Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: International Comparison Across Three Continents. Diabetes Care, 40(8), 1034–1040. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc16-2508  

Elfström, P., Sundström, J., & Ludvigsson, J. F. (2014). Systematic review with meta-analysis: associations between coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 40(10), 1123–1132. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.12973