Impact of a Gluten-Free Diet on Quality of Life and Health Perception in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Asymptomatic Celiac Disease

Context Celiac disease (CD) is a common comorbidity seen in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and is frequently asymptomatic. As chronic conditions requiring significant lifestyle changes, there are limited reports assessing changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during transition to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in patients with both T1D and who are asymptomatic for CD. Objective To prospectively assess HRQoL and health perception in children and adults with T1D and asymptomatic CD after randomization to GFD versus usual diet. Design, Setting, and Participants Patients with T1D aged 8-45 years without CD symptoms were serologically screened for CD, with positive results confirmed with intestinal biopsy. Participants were randomized in an open-label fashion to a GFD or gluten-containing diet (GCD) for 12 months. Generic and diabetes-specific HRQoL and self-perceived wellness (SPW) were assessed longitudinally. Results 2,387 T1D patients were serologically screened. CD was biopsy-confirmed in 82 patients and 51 participants were randomized to a GFD (N=27) or GCD (N=24). Excellent adherence to the assigned diets was observed. Overall, no changes in generic (P=0.73) or diabetes-specific HRQoL (P=0.30), or SPW (P=0.41) were observed between groups over 12 months. HemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) and GI symptoms were consistent predictors of HRQoL and SPW. Conclusions HRQoL and SPW were not significantly impacted by the adoption of a GFD over 12 months, but worsened with symptom onset and increased HbA1c. Our findings indicate that transition to a GFD can be made successfully in this population without adversely impacting quality of life.