Associated Autoimmune Diseases in First Degree Relatives of Type 1 Diabetic Children

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (1 DM) resulting from immunological damage to pancreatic islets ( cells is the most common immune-mediated, endocrine metabolic disorder in children with evidence suggesting that type 1 DM is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. About 5% of people with a major polyendocrine autoimmune syndrome develop type 1 DM. Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most frequent autoimmune disease with type 1 DM. An estimated 7% of children with type 1 DM develop Celiac disease within six years of diagnosis. To determine the prevalence of Celiac disease and thyroid disorders among children with type 1 DM, together with their first degree relatives, and to estimate the prevalence of DM among the first degree relatives of diabetic children, 300 type 1 DM children with 1950 first degree relatives were matched with 600 controls together with their 3,900 first degree relatives were screened in a case control study for autoimmune diseases (Celiac disease, thyroid disorders) and the first degree relatives of cases and controls were screened for type 1 DM. Celiac disease and thyroid disorders were insignificantly higher in cases than in controls. Similar findings were seen in 1 st degree relatives of cases compared to controls, with a significant difference in Celiac disease. Type 1DM prevalence was significantly higher in 1st degree relatives of cases than controls. Conclusion: Target screening for Celiac disease and thyroid diseases in type 1 DM children is necessary, but screening 1st degree relatives of diabetic children for auto-immune diseases remains controversial.