My 6 1/2 year old grandson with diabetes for 2 1/2 years has now been diagnosed (by biopsy in Germany) with Celiac Disease. Can you provide information and recommendations to send to my daughter? The diet without question will be the hardest part. I have visited the Celiac Disease website but know there are more children out there afflicted with both diseases for which you can provide information.

Looking after a child with diabetes and coeliac disease is a real challenge. In the UK, the Coeliac Society is very good at providing advice regarding diet.

As you are aware, the main stay of treatment is a gluten-free diet, mainly solved by using special gluten-free bread and biscuits, pasta, etc. There is now a long list of available foods. Health food shops are also a helpful source.

As long as the coeliac disease is reasonably well controlled, there should not be any problem with diabetes control. The problem arises if your child does not stick to a gluten-free diet over long periods, as this can cause problems with the bowel absorbing nutrients, which can result in increased problems with hypos.

JS