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Abstract
Background:
Celiac disease (CD) is an
autoimmune enteropathy triggered
by gluten ingestion in genetically
susceptible individuals. It
is frequently associated with
other autoimmune conditions,
particularly type 1 diabetes
mellitus (T1DM). Early identification
of CD in T1DM patients is
essential to prevent complications
and improve outcomes.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence
of celiac disease among patients
with T1DM at the Diabetic
Center in Tabuk City, Saudi
Arabia, and to identify associated
risk factors, common symptoms,
and diagnostic patterns.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, retrospective
study was conducted based
on medical records of 373
patients with T1DM attending
the Diabetic Center of King
Fahad Hospital in Tabuk City
between May and August 2024.
Data were collected using
a structured and validated
form covering demographic,
clinical, and diagnostic details.
Statistical analysis was performed
using SPSS version 18, with
descriptive statistics and
inferential tests including
Fisher’s Exact Test,
t-tests, and ANOVA. A p-value
< 0.05 was considered statistically
significant.
Results:
The prevalence of diagnosed
celiac disease among T1DM
patients was 2.4% (n=9). All
cases were diagnosed using
anti-tTG antibodies, and common
presenting symptoms included
abdominal pain (44.4%) and
diarrhea (33.3%). A significant
association was found between
CD and being underweight (p
= 0.049). Other variables
such as age, gender, insulin
dosage, and DKA frequency
showed no significant correlation
with CD. However, males and
patients diagnosed with T1DM
at an older age were found
to have a significantly later
diagnosis of CD (p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Celiac disease is relatively
uncommon but clinically relevant
among T1DM patients in Tabuk
City. Underweight status may
serve as a useful clinical
indicator for CD screening.
Given the variable presentation
of CD, universal screening
in T1DM patients remains important
for early diagnosis and management.
Keywords
Celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes
mellitus, Prevalence, Risk
factors, Saudi Arabia, Gluten,
Anti-tTG antibodies.
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