Association Between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Celiac Disease: Autoimmune Disorders With a Shared Genetic Background

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) are one of the most recognized related autoimmune disorders as they share a common genetic background that has been found in the HLA genotype, more specifically DQ2 and DQ8 molecules. Studies have shown that environmental factors as early or late exposure to cereals in the first months of life or the acquired viral infections have been implicated in the risk of development of autoantigens. CD, in most cases, is asymptomatic; therefore, it goes underdiagnosed. As a result, it has been linked to late consequences as decreased growth, delayed puberty, and anemia. Also, CD has been considered an independent risk factor for nephropathy and retinopathy. Therefore, in T1DM patients, as high-risk individuals, a CD screening has been recommended, especially to analyze their joint management. A gluten-free diet has been studied and linked to possible benefits in glycemic control or decreasing the hypoglycemic episodes in T1DM and preventing in CD the late bowel mucosal damage as gluten has been well documented as the primary trigger of these autoimmune responses. This article has reviewed the concurrent occurrence of T1DM and CD regarding the pathogenesis, clinical overlaps, screening, and management options.