Thanks to a tip from one of our readers, I recently became aware of a possible link between diabetes and Celiac Disease, so I decided to look into it a little further and see what I found. Interestingly enough, my search took me over to a post on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF)website about living with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease.
Their post includes a number of examples of people who were originally diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, then later found out they also have Celiac Disease. It also includes a lot of useful information. Here is an excerpt:
Anne says that as she changed to a gluten-free diet, she started needing more insulin. Thirty-year-old Catherine also noticed similar changes in her blood sugar when she switched to a gluten-free diet after her diagnosis in 2004.
“Initially [managing diabetes] was more difficult because my food absorption was changing and gluten-free crackers and breads tend to have different carb/fat/protein ratios than their gluten-filled counterparts,” she says.
Another challenge is making sure to have gluten-free snacks on hand in case of a low blood sugar. Ann explains that she always brings a gluten-free snack with her in case she needs it. If a person ingests food contaminated with gluten, it can have disastrous effect, both for the celiac disease and for the diabetes.
“People with celiac react differently when they are exposed to gluten,” Naomi explains. While most have stomach pains or diarrhea, vomiting or the inability to take food can have serious consequences for someone with diabetes. “Daniel vomits. This has caused our biggest problem because if Daniel ate, then he bolused to lower his blood sugar. He then loses his food, and his stomach hurts so much that it is difficult for him to take in any more carbs to prevent hypoglycemia.”
This is another reason why switching to a completely gluten-free diet is absolutely crucial.
Click over to read their entire post.
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Thanks for posting the info about Celiac Disease and Diabetes. Coming from Toronto, Canada – I know such studies were of interest to many with in the Canadian Celiac communities and have always wondered why I didn’t here it about it as often here in Chicago.
I recently attended the Gluten Free Cooking Expo in Chicago and a dietitian who specializes in both Celiac AND Diabetic care presented AMAZING insight and information as to how Celiacs can prevent developing diabetes. Deepa is brilliant and passionate. Listening to her speak, you can hear she genuinely cares about the people who’s trying to help. She is knowledgeable and extremely well researched. If anyone is looking for more info on this topic – I suggest you contact her.
The name of the dietitian is Deepa Deshmukh from her practice: DuPage Dietitians, http://www.dupagedietitians.com/.