THE FREQUENCY OF CELIAC DISEASE (CD) IN PATIENTS HAVING TYPE 1 DIABETES ATTENDING SERVICES HOSPITAL

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an auto-immune disease that usually occurs in genetically susceptible persons and is activated by gluten components of wheat. Type 1 diabetes is associated with celiac disease (CD) with a prevalence rate of 4-6% but there is a lack of data on its prevalence in Pakistan. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of celiac disease (CD) in patients having Type 1 diabetes presenting in Diabetic center and to observe its various clinical characteristics. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 68 patients following up for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus undergoing insulin therapy were selected. This study was conducted from October, 2018 to September, 2019 at Services hospital (Diabetes and Endocrinology), Lahore. IgA anti tissue transglutaminase assay was used for screening of CD. Gluten free diet was advised in patients who turned out to be positive for CD. Patients were having the mean age of 15.8 ± 5.7 years. Positive antibodies were found in 8.8% patients having 33.3% males and 66.7% females with CD and 91.2% patients had no antibodies. In most of the cases, CD was silent and diagnosis of diabetes and CD was also unpredictable. Conclusion: It is concluded that CD is very high in type 1 diabetic patients. Hence, screening for CD in type 1 diabetic patients should be done in order to have a better glycemic control and to prevent its long-term complications. Key Words: Type 1 DM, celiac disease (CD), IgA anti tissue transglutaminase assay