Coeliac disease

The symptoms of coeliac disease can vary from person to person. Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

• diarrhoea and/or constipation
• weight loss
• flatulence
• fatigue
• abdominal bloating and cramping
• anaemia or low iron levels.

People with type 1 diabetes may have coeliac disease without any symptoms. So, screening is important to detect this condition. Ask your diabetes health professional for more information.

Besides wheat, rye, barley and oats, gluten can also be found in processed foods with ingredients such as wheaten cornflour, wheat starch, malt, malt extract, malt dextrin and the thickeners 1400 to 1450.

If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease, gluten-containing foods, along with products made from these foods, must be avoided. Coeliac Australia has produced an Ingredient list app and a booklet that lists ingredients and their suitability for a gluten-free diet.

Importance of not eating gluten

If coeliac disease is left untreated, you have an increased risk of developing other medical problems.

If you have coeliac disease and diabetes, healthy eating includes:

• regular meals and snacks containing gluten-free carbohydrates (carbs)
• low glycaemic index (GI) carb foods
• foods rich in calcium and iron
• high-fibre food choices and plenty of fruit and vegetables.

See a dietitian with experience in managing coeliac disease and diabetes. A dietitian can help you develop a healthy eating plan that is right for you.

Healthy eating for diabetes includes choosing the right type and amount of carb foods. Many commonly eaten carb foods such as breads, cereals, pasta, biscuits and crackers contain gluten. So, you will need to avoid these. Look for gluten-free carb alternatives. Including low-GI foods can help manage your blood glucose levels.

If you take insulin or certain diabetes tablets, you may need to eat between-meal carbohydrate snacks. Discuss this with your dietitian or diabetes educator.