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There have been over 60 papers published on CD and diabetes. The
prevalence of CD ranges from 1-7% among people with Type 1 diabetes. The
following are summaries from several studies:

1.  Undiagnosed CD and risk of autoimmune disorders in subjects with Type
1 diabetes mellitus in Diabetologia 2001 Feb;44(2):151- 155 This Italian
study found a high prevalence of undiagnosed celiac disease among diabetic
patients(5.7%) and their relatives(1.9%).  The prevalence of autoimmune
disorders in diabetic patients with CD was significantly higher than in
subjects with Type 1diabetes alone.  The prevalence of autoimmune
disorders in the relatives with CD was significantly higher than those who
tested negative for anti-endomysial antibodies.

2.  Celiac Disease and Type 1 diabetes mellitus- the case for screening in
Diabet Med 2001 Mar;18(2):169-77 The author(Holmes GK) reviewed the
literature on CD and type 1 diabetes.  He concluded that CD commonly
occurs in Type 1 diabetes and recommends that screening for CD should be
part of the routine investigation to all patients with type 1 diabetes
because of the high prevalence and potential benefits of treatment with a
GFD.  This includes control of symptoms, stabilization of diabetes and
prevention of complications associated with CD.

3.  Use of immunoglobulin A-antiendomysial antibody to screen for CD in
North American children with type 1 diabetes in Diabetes Care 1998 Nov;
21(11):  1985-9 This Canadian study from U of Calgary tested 236 diabetic
patients(none were IgA deficient) and 19 were positive for IgA-EMA(8%).
Of the 17 patients biopsied, 12 had CD and 3 were symptomatic.  The
estimated prevalence of CD was 5.1%.  They concluded that IgA-EMA is an
appropriate tool for demonstrating an increased prevalence of CD in
N.American pediatric Diabetic population.  Positive testing should be
confirmed by intestinal biopsy and false-positive results require serial
follow-up.  Symptomatic children require biopsy regardless of their
IgA-EMA status.

Shelley Case, B.Sc.(Nutrition & Dietetics), RD
Consulting Dietitian
Case Nutrition Consulting
www.glutenfreediet.ca