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Type 1 diabetics can also have celiac disease. Like type 1, celiac is also an autoimmune disease. People who have one autoimmune disease usually get another. About 1 % of Americans have celiac, but for those with type 1 diabetes the rate goes up to 3 to 8 %. Hard to diagnose, people may have celiac for years.

In celiac disease the immune system attacks gluten which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other foods. This damages the small intestine in the process. The ability to absorb nutrients from food can cause deficiency in iron, calcium, and vitamins. Celiac can occur at any age. If you have a relative who has it chances are you will also get it.

Classic celiac disease symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, flatulence, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Atypical celiac symptoms are slightly different. The gastrointestinal symptoms may be mild or not present at all. A rash may occur on the face, elbows, knees or buttocks. Tooth enamel problems, joint pain and infertility can also occur. This is the most common of the three varieties of celiac disease. Silent celiac means just that…there are no symptoms. The bowel must be examined to determine the silent variety.

Diagnosis begins with blood tests that look for two certain antibodies. If any are found the next step is a biopsy of the small intestine to look for changes in the tissue. This is done using a scope through the mouth and stomach into the small intestine. The last thing is for the person diagnosed to try a gluten free diet.

If you have been diagnosed with celiac you will need to give up all foods that contain gluten. You will have to contact a dietitian to determine all the gluten containing foods. Some of the foods include: any with wheat, barely, rye, oats, graham flour, malt flavoring, malt vinegar, pasta. Beer, whiskey, communion wafers and even Play-doh modeling compound contain gluten. You will need to check labels at the store on the following products: cereal, broth and soup bases, brown rice syrup, candy, cookies, artificial bacon, gravies and sauces, lunch meat, medicines, soy sauce, plus vitamins and supplements.