A Narrative Review of Celiac Disease in India with a Focus on its Link with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune condition that is triggered when gluten, the protein component found in wheat, barley, and rye, is consumed. It is not only a disease of the intestines: it is a complex condition resulting from a combination of several hereditary variables working in conjunction with non-genetic reasons. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune illness associated with absolute insulin deficiency and severe hyperglycemia in those with genetic vulnerability. T1D is often associated with CeD due to its shared genetic predisposition and immune system dysregulation. CeD is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge of the condition among healthcare professionals and the general public. CeD is often mistaken for many other gastrointestinal disorders, which leads to delays in the treatment and management of the disease, thus leading to various other complications. To address this issue, this study was initiated with a comprehensive literature review from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, PGIMER, ICMR, and International Diabetes Federation Atlas Reports using keywords like “Type 1 Diabetes,” “Celiac Disease,” and “India.” Studies on CeD prevalence in India, genetic linkages to T1D, related variables, and clinical characteristics were included. Non-relevant populations, non-human studies, and old data were excluded. Narrative synthesis provided a comprehensive picture of CeD and T1D in India. This narrative review aims to enhance the understanding of CeD and T1D and guide the development of effective strategies from the public health perspective, to address CeD at an early stage.