Dietary Management of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with Celiac Disease

Abstract

Celiac disease is diagnosed more commonly with type 1 diabetes, and the most problematic aspect for a child with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease is that most GFD foods have a high glycemic index, while low glycemic index foods are recommended for type 1 diabetes mellitus. As a result, dietary controls become more difficult. Diet management could improve the elevated HbA1c levels. The aim of this review is to illustrate the clinical features and diagnostic considerations, as well as current knowledge of common pathogenic features such as genetics, environmental risk factors, and the gut microbiome of type 1 diabtes and celiac disease. Also, the importance of diet management on glycemic control and growth rate in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease has been discussed. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched. Reports published from the years 1969 to 2021 focused on the role of type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease, and examined the types of diet on glycemic control, growth rate, and quality of life. Only a few studies on the effects of a carbohydrate count gluten-free diet on glycemic control, growth rate, and quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease have been conducted. There have been few studies showing that dietary intervention helps to achieve and maintain normal blood glucose and blood pressure levels, a healthy lipid profile, and a healthy body weight. Studies stated that a low-carbohydrate diet had the greatest effect on improving glycemic control and insulin parameters.

Keywords: HbA1c; Type 1 diabetes mellitus; carbohydrate counting; celiac disease; dietary approach to stop hypertension; gluten-free diet.