Managing Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and Coexisting Celiac Disease: Real-World Data from a Global Survey

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Celiac disease (CD) is among the diseases most commonly associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study aimed to evaluate the worldwide practices and attitudes of physicians involved in pediatric diabetes care regarding diagnosing and managing CD in children with T1D. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The 30-item survey was conducted between July and December 2023 aimed at targeting pediatricians with special interest in T1D and CD. It was shared by the JENIOUS – young investigators group of the International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) – and the YES – early career group of the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Overall, 180 physicians (67.8% female) from 25 countries responded. Among respondents, 62.2% expected sustaining optimal glycemic control in children with T1D and CD (T1D + CD) to be more difficult than in children with T1D alone. Majority (81.1%) agreed that more specific guidelines are needed. The follow-up routine for patients with T1D + CD differed, and one-quarter of physicians scheduled more frequent follow-up checkups for these patients. Seventy percent agreed multidisciplinary outpatient clinics for their follow-up is needed. In the multivariate ordinal logistic regression model, a statistically significant predictor of a higher degree of practice according to ISPAD 2022 guidelines was a higher level of country income (OR = 3.34; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These results showed variations in physicians’ practices regarding managing CD in children with T1D, emphasizing the need for more specific guidelines and intensive education of physicians in managing this population, especially in lower-income countries. Our data also suggest the implementation of multidisciplinary outpatient clinics for their follow-up.