[Circulating antigliadin antibodies. Prevalence in a diabetic (type 1 or 2) and non diabetic adult population]

Abstract

Objectives: The level of circulating antigliadin antibodies is an essential element in diabetic patients with signs of coeliac disease. Intolerance to gluten can disrupt glucose regulation leading to greater risk of hypoglycaemia. Search for antigliadin antibodies could be a routine test in diabetics.

Methods: Plasma gliadin antibodies were measured by immunoenzymatic assay in adult subjects: 80 type 1 diabetics, 80 type 2 diabetics, 80 non diabetics without auto-immune disease.

Results: IgA antibodies were present in 6 type 1 diabetics (7.5%), 8 type 2 diabetics (10%) and 6 non-diabetics (7.5%). Anti-reticulin and anti-endomysium antibodies were measured in type 1 diabetics with antigliadine antibodies. They were present only in one patient (Tunisian) who suffered from a coeliac disease.

Conclusion: In France, the prevalence of coeliac disease is very low. Antigliadin antibodies measurement is justified only in patients with clinical and/or biological symptoms of coeliac disease.