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Healing on the gluten free diet does take time, so be patient: if you truly are gluten free, time and patience may be all you need. On the other hand, there may be more to your overall recovery picture than just avoiding gluten. Refractory sprue, other food sensitivities, and intestinal dysmotility are just a few examples of conditions that may plague some celiac patients long after they have begun adhering to a gluten free diet. If you are still experiencing symptoms of any kind, seek professional medical care from a doctor who specializes in celiac disease, so that you will know what to watch for - and how to feel better - after your diagnosis. Please do not self-diagnose - talk to your doctor.

Ask The Doctor

On January 9, 2007, we were excited to be featured along with University of Kentucky gastroenterologist Dr. Razvan Arsenescu on WKYT TV's local Noon News. We are equally excited to be partnering with Dr Arsenescu in order to bring you our regular web site feature, Ask The Doctor. Here we provide a channel directly to Dr.Arsenescu for your questions regarding gluten-related disorders and the gluten free diet.

Click here to submit your question via email. Your question will be promptly forwarded to Dr. Arsenescu, and his answer will be returned to you as soon as administratively possible.

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News & Views

by Razvan Arsenescu, M.D.

Celiac Sprue Screening In Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Diagnosing celiac sprue (CD) in asymptomatic individuals remains a controversial issue, but mounting evidence indicates a benefit for those in at-risk groups. A current study by Jill H. Simmons¹ evaluated children with type 1 diabetes and celiac autoimmunity. It was concluded that these diabetic children with positive serology for CD have decreased weight and body mass index compared to those who tested negative. Although their bone density scores were no different, certain laboratory markers suggested a risk for future alteration in bone mineralization. Whether these findings will translate into abnormal growth by the time of adulthood, is unknown. The outcome for children with biopsy-proven CD was not significantly different from those with serologic test alone.

There were certain limitations of this study: the number of patients, lack of gluten free diet standardization, and limitations of CD diagnostic work-up. Although the study is not definitive and does not serve as a guideline, CD screening in at-risk children should be discussed with a pediatrician. We should also raise awareness of the misleading term "asymptomatic individuals". Too many times this term is used to refer only to gastrointestinal complaints, which only represent the tip of the "celiac iceberg".

¹The Journal of Pediatrics. Volume 150, Issue 5, May 2007, pp. 461-466.

All information on this web site Copyright © 2008 by Gluten Free Lexington. All rights reserved. This web site is intended to provide basic information about gluten-related disorders, and the gluten free diet. Gluten-related disorders include gluten intolerance, Celiac Disease/Dermatitis Herpetiformis, and wheat allergies. The information contained herein is not intended to provide, nor does it constitute, medical advice. Dietary changes based on information on this web site should not be initiated without first consulting a physician. Celiac (or coeliac) disease is also commonly referred to as celiac sprue, or non-tropical sprue. It should not be confused with gluten intolerance or wheat allergy, which are separate medical conditions.

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