[Celiac disease in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus]

A coincidence of celiac disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has been described in several studies. Celiac disease appears to be more common among patients with IDDM than in general population. The diagnosis of celiac disease requires histologic evidence of villous atrophy and a positive antibody test result. Typical gastrointestinal complaints of celiac disease are rare in IDDM patients, while atypical isolated symptoms of celiac are more common. It is recommended that all young diabetic patients, even those asymptomatic, should be screened for celiac. Routine screening is recommended repeatedly during first years after the diagnosis of IDDM.