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Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile onset diabetes because children are the largest population affected. Similar to celiac, IDDM is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system creates autoantibodies that attack the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas. This destruction of pancreatic cells is one of the primary reasons IDDM is diagnosed so early in life; the body cannot produce enough insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot use any of the food we eat as energy. IDDM can be managed and controlled by use of insulin injections.
The connection between diabetes and celiac disease in children may be due to a few possible factors, yet no studies have been done to find an exact cause. Some correlating factors include:
Since most children diagnosed with celiac often have their blood sugar tested, additional testing for diabetes may not be necessary. Instead, doctors advise parents of celiac children to be on the look out for any symptoms of diabetes which include:
Although clear preventative measures have not yet been defined, maintaining a gluten free diet is always recommended for celiacs. In fact, a gluten free diet may help maintain stable blood sugar levels over the long term. Conversely, if your child has IDDM, and is experiencing symptoms of celiac, talk to your physician. As mentioned in previous posts, it is important to provide your baby with a gluten free diet for at least his first year of life.