The German Diabetes Association (DiabetesDE) reported that type 1 diabetes is often accompanied by other autoimmune diseases; in this case, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. They explained that an example of such diseases is celiac disease, while 1% of the general population suffers from this disease, also known as gluten sensitivity, this rate ranges between 3% and 5% among those with type 1 diabetes. When a person has celiac disease, the immune system reacts to the gluten protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, and the body produces antibodies that attack the lining of the small intestine. The problem with having both celiac disease and diabetes is that damage to the intestinal lining can impair the body's ability to absorb carbohydrates and other nutrients, leading to low blood sugar and malnutrition. Celiac disease can be diagnosed through a blood test, and sometimes a tissue sample from the small intestine is also examined. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constant fatigue, decreased performance, and unexplained weight changes. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient must permanently avoid gluten for life, which requires a radical change in their diet. It is important to know that when replacing bread, cookies, and similar products with gluten-free alternatives in the diet, people with type 1 diabetes must adjust their carbohydrate calculations and insulin doses, as gluten-free products can have a different effect. This disease can be diagnosed through a blood test, and sometimes a tissue sample from the small intestine is also examined.
