What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition. When you have celiac disease and eat gluten, your immune system attacks your small intestine. This can damage your intestine and make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients.
Common symptoms of celiac disease:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Migraines
- Anemia
- Nerve pain (neuropathy)
- Poor growth in children
- Anxiety
You can also have celiac disease without any symptoms.
How is it treated?
The treatment for celiac disease is to avoid foods that contain gluten. This takes planning, reading food labels, and being careful when eating away from home. It takes some work, but it can be done especially with support.
When should you be screened for celiac disease?
People with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk for celiac disease. The risk is not higher for people with type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends people with type 1 diabetes should be checked for celiac disease:
- At diagnosis
- Again, within two to five years
- Sooner if symptoms appear or if a close family member has celiac disease
You will need to continue eating gluten before the blood test for accurate results. Do not start a gluten-free eating plan before being screened for celiac disease. If your test is positive, you’ll usually also have a small‑intestine biopsy.
What about gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity?
Some people have symptoms after eating gluten but test negative for celiac disease. This is called non‑celiac gluten sensitivity. Symptoms may include:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Joint pain
Unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance do not damage the intestines. There is no test for gluten sensitivity/intolerance. Doctors first rule out celiac disease and wheat allergies. If those are negative, they may suggest trying a gluten‑free eating plan. Many people with gluten sensitivity/intolerance feel better once they stop eating gluten.
