Coeliac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and auto-immune thyroid disorders

The paper aims to review the prevalence and natural history of coeliac disease in patients with type 1A diabetes mellitus and auto- immune thyroid disorders. These diseases share a similar genetic background. In diabetic children and adults, the prevalence of (mostly asymptomatic) coeliac disease varies form 0.97 to 6.4%. Diabetes is usually diagnosed first. Screening in relatives may also be positive. Recurrent hypoglycaemia in diabetic subjects (indi- rectly) suggest the development of coeliac sprue. Thyroid disor- ders (thyroiditis and Graves' disease) are also usual in coeliac disease. A common etiopathogenic mechanism for the association CD / diabetes / thyroid disorders, with gluten as the driving anti- gen, was postulated. Thus, screening program for coeliac disease are recommended in individuals with type 1A diabetes and/or auto-immune thyroid conditions, as well as in their first-degree relatives. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2003, 66, 237-240).