Systemic consequences of coeliac disease in children with type 1 diabetes - is it worth following a gluten-free diet?

Introduction: Coeliac disease (CD) often coexists with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Children with double diagnosis are frequently asymptomatic, which raises the question of whether to introduce a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) or not.

Aim of the study: To summarise data on systemic consequences of coeliac disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods: The PubMed database was searched for papers to identify meta-analyses, reviews and clinical trials focusing on children.

Results: Coeliac disease, like type 1 diabetes may adversely influence glycaemic control, growth, weight gain, lipid profile and bone health as well as increase the risk of vascular complications. A strict gluten-free diet, at least partly, prevents the development of systemic complications of both disorders.

Conclusions: Dietary restrictions do not have a negative impact on the quality of life of young diabetic patients hence a gluten-free diet with its multifaceted beneficial effects should be recommended to all children with diabetes and coeliac disease.