Diabetes/Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is a condition where the lining of the small intestine is damaged by eating gluten. Gluten is a natural product found in wheat, oats, barley and rye, and products containing these. This means that bread, flour, pasta, most breakfast cereals and biscuits have to be replaced by suitable gluten free products.

Treatment for coeliac disease is by following a gluten free diet i.e. removing gluten from the diet to allow the gut to recover. There is no treatment involving medicine.

ASK THE DOCTOR TO EXPLAIN WHAT IS REQUIRED IF COELIAC DISEASE IS SUSPECTED.  USUALLY IT INVOLVES A BLOOD TEST AND THEN A SPECIAL PROCEDURE CALLED A BIOPSY.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU CONTINUE TO EAT WHEAT CONTAINING FOODS UNTIL THE DIAGNOSIS IS MADE FOR DEFINITE.

For someone with diabetes, carbohydrate foods are important as they balance with insulin to maintain stable blood sugars. Carbohydrates that are naturally gluten free include: potato, rice, corn (maize), tapioca, buckwheat, cornflour, arrowroot, soya flour, gram flour and fruit. Bread, pasta, biscuits, breakfast cereals have to be replaced with gluten free alternatives.

With diabetes, sweeter foods can be incorporated into the diet as treats or prior to exercise. Unfortunately, with coeliac disease, gluten containing 'normal' products cannot be given as treats, as they will continue to damage the gut. Sweeter foods can continue to be given as long as they are gluten free.

Lunch ideas:

Any of the bread or crackers above

Gluten free pasta salad

Rice salad

Homous and savoury crackers

Rice cakes

Potato crisps

Corn chips (tortillas)

Fruit

Yogurt

Breadmakers can be used to make home made bread using breadmix. The texture and taste of gluten free bread is different to ‘normal' bread, but there are lots of different brands to try – eventually you will find one that is acceptable. Gluten gives bread elasticity and structure, so without it, sometimes bread is crumbly. It is usually better toasted. Rolls may be more suitable for lunch boxes as they may hold together better.

Xanthan gum can be added to home made bread to help give it structure; it is available on prescription

If you are not very good at baking or don't have time, ask other people, perhaps relatives or grandparents whether they could help. Most recipes can be successfully frozen.

Cheese & Bacon Scones

Poppy Seed Biscuits

Pizza Slices

Yorkshire Puddings