Coeliac disease (CD) is an auto-immune disease caused by intolerance to gluten, found in wheat, rye & barley. Around 700, 000 people in the UK have it
- although seven in every eight are presently undiagnosed & ignorant of their condition. Increased awareness of the disease, ongoing campaigning from the charity Coeliac UK & amendments to NICE guidelines for the diagnosis of both IBS & CD, have all meant that more & more of the 'missing' coeliac patients are being picked up. Coeliac UK welcome over 1, 200 new members a month. Mild CD in particular is more common than previously thought.
Coeliac Disease: What you need to know addresses the needs of those who suspect they may have CD, or who are newly diagnosed, both of whom are increasing in number. It aims to support & advise those with the disease, as well as those who are parents of coeliac children or who care for adults with CD.