Posted by Medivizor on Oct 26, 2017 in Diabetes mellitus |
In a nutshell
This study examined the consequences of having type 1 diabetes and celiac disease at the same time. The authors concluded that those with both conditions had an increased risk of experiencing fractures and/or hypoglycemia.
Some background
Patients with celiac disease (CD) are unable to properly digest foods containing wheat, barley and rye. This condition is sometimes seen in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Both T1D and CD are linked to an increased risk of bone fractures. In addition to this, T1D has to be properly managed in order to avoid hypoglycemia (i.e. extremely low blood sugar). It is unclear whether patients with the combination of T1D and CD have an further increased risk of experiencing fractures and / or hypoglycemia.
Methods & findings
This study examined the prevalence of both increased fractures and increased hypoglycemia among patients (average age of 24 years) with the combination of T1D and CD. The authors examined the medical records of 49 patients with T1D and CD and compared them to those of 346 patients with T1D alone.
Fracture prevalence was higher among patients with both T1D and CD (12.2%) compared to those with T1D alone (3.5%). The rates of experiencing hypoglycemia regularly (more frequently than twice a week) were also higher among patients with both T1D and CD (55%) compared to those with T1D alone (38%). There was no link between experiencing hypoglycemia regularly and experiencing fractures.
Those with adequate vitamin D blood levels (higher than 50 nmol/L) were 52% less likely to experience frequent hypoglycemia events. There was no link between adequate vitamin D levels and the prevalence of fractures.
The bottom line
This study concluded that compared to patients with T1D alone, patients with the combination of T1D and CD are at an increased risk of experiencing both fractures and hypoglycemia. Vitamin D may help manage hypoglycemia but is not associated with fracture occurrence in these patients.
The fine print
Studies which follow patients over a number of years are needed to confirm these results.
What’s next?
Consult your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Published By :
Clinical Endocrinology
Original Title :
Increased prevalence of fracture and hypoglycaemia in young adults with concomitant type 1 diabetes mellitus and coeliac disease.
