Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease appear to be related.
People who have diabetes and celiac disease – which causes an intolerance to gluten (found in wheat, rye, and barley) – face additional challenges with their diet because, by avoiding all gluten-containing foods, they also lose a predominant source of low-sugar carbohydrates.
In turn, the gluten-free diet affects blood sugar levels. Dietitians in the Kovler Diabetes Center work closely with patients who have both diabetes and celiac disease to help them adapt their eating patterns to accommodate their diabetes needs as well as their celiac needs. Our team also coordinates with Dr. Stefano Guandalini, Director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and a world-recognized expert on diagnosing and treating celiac disease.