Celiac disease is associated with which two common conditions?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, leading to inflammation in the small intestine. It has a well-established association with several other autoimmune conditions. Type 1 diabetes, another autoimmune disease, shares a common genetic predisposition with celiac disease, particularly in terms of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes. As a result, individuals with celiac disease have a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin condition considered the cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. It presents as itchy, blistering skin lesions and is directly related to gluten ingestion. This condition resolves with a strict gluten-free diet, similar to the treatment for celiac disease itself.

Both of these associations—type 1 diabetes and dermatitis herpetiformis—highlight the autoimmune nature of celiac disease and its connection with other clinical conditions often seen in affected patients. This understanding is a critical component in diagnosing and managing patients with celiac disease, emphasizing the importance of awareness around these associated conditions in clinical practice.