WeAreCeliac.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a life-long autoimmune enteropathy that results in damage to the small intestinal mucosa. When people with celiac disease eat the gluten proteins found in wheat, rye and barley, they damage the cells that line the small intestine, which interferes with normal digestion and absorption of nutrients. Recent studies have shown that most people present with a silent, non-diarrheal form of the disease, and show no obvious symptoms. People with celiac disease face rates of autoimmune disease that are10 times higher than the general population.People with untreated celiac disease have higher rates of thyroid problems, which generally improve...

If connection holds up, it might lead to cures, researchers sayPosted December 10, 2008 By Amanda GardnerHealthDay ReporterResearchers have identified common genetic mutations between type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, suggesting that the two inflammatory disorders may stem from a shared underlying mechanism. The finding also suggests that the two diseases may be triggered by similar environmental factors. "Our results...