What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1 in 20 people with
type 1 diabetes. It affects the intestine's ability to tolerate the protein gluten,
which is found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley.
When kids with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune systems
react to it, causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Over time, exposure to gluten damages
the small intestine and prevents it from properly absorbing nutrients from food.
Some people have no symptoms, but others may have frequent diarrhea, abdominal
pain, gas, bloating, weight or appetite loss, or tiredness. Some kids and teens have
growth problems because
they aren't getting enough nutrients. If not treated, celiac disease can lead to hypoglycemia, osteoporosis
(a disease that causes brittle, fragile bones), and some types of cancer.
If your child has type 1 diabetes, your doctor may do a blood test to check for
celiac disease, even if there are no symptoms. If the doctor suspects celiac
disease, your child might undergo a small-bowel biopsy (the removal of a piece
of tissue from the small intestine for examination) to confirm the diagnosis.
Kids and teens who have celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet (no wheat,
rye, and barley products). They'll still need to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy
and maintain good control of blood sugar levels, though. So the doctor may recommend
that you meet with a registered dietitian to learn about choosing and preparing gluten-free
foods.
What Is Addison's Disease?
Addison's disease, a type of adrenal insufficiency, affects the adrenal glands
of the endocrine system. These glands make hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone,
that help control many body functions, particularly those related to its response
to stress. They affect blood pressure, fluid balance, heart function, the immune system,
the body's response to insulin,
metabolism, and a person's
sense of alertness and well-being. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands don't
produce enough cortisol and also might not make enough aldosterone.
Signs and symptoms of Addison's disease start slowly. They include tiredness,
muscle weakness, appetite loss, or weight loss. Some people have nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, dizziness and low blood pressure, skin discoloration (especially in skin
creases, like the elbows), irritability, depression, or irregular periods.
For about 1 in 4 people with Addison's disease, symptoms don't appear until they're
triggered by a stressful event, such as illness or an accident. These symptoms can
be more severe and come on suddenly. This is called an addisonian crisis, or acute
adrenal insufficiency. If this happens to your child, it's important to get medical
help immediately.
When doctors suspect Addison's disease, they'll run tests, including urine (pee)
and blood tests, to diagnose it. The condition is treated with medicine to bring adrenal
hormone levels back to normal.
How Can I Help My Child?
You can't prevent these health problems related to type 1 diabetes. But the good
news is that thyroid disorders, celiac disease, and Addison's disease usually can
be treated successfully.
Knowing which signs and symptoms to watch for and making sure your child gets
regular checkups will help reduce or prevent the effects of these disorders.
Date reviewed: February 2018