Coeliac UK, the national charity for coeliac disease announced on 12 May 2014 that new research from the University of Nottingham that has found a fourfold increase in the rate of diagnosed cases of coeliac disease in the United Kingdom over the past two decades – but that three quarters of people with coeliac disease still remain undiagnosed.
1 in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, with demand for gluten-free products growing in supermarkets – and food outlets.
Level of diagnosis now 24%
The National Institute of Health & Care Excellence (NICE) previously estimated that only 10 – 15% of those with coeliac disease had been diagnosed, however, this latest research by Dr Joe West from University of Nottingham , funded by Coeliac UK and CORE has shown that the level of diagnosis has increased to 24%.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten. Left untreated it may lead to infertility, osteoporosis and small bowel cancer. 1 in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, with the prevalence rising to 1 in 10 for close family members
The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye and, once diagnosed, people with coeliac disease need to eliminate all gluten-containing foods and make sure they only eat gluten-free varieties.
Researchers identified the number of people diagnosed during the study period using the diagnostic codes for coeliac disease recorded in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1990-2011).
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK said: “This latest research shows that nearly a quarter of people with coeliac disease have now been diagnosed and gives an up to date picture of the diagnosis levels across the UK. Of course, increasing numbers with a diagnosis is good news and will inevitably mean that there will be an increased demand for gluten-free products in supermarkets. But the three quarters undiagnosed is around 500,000 people – a shocking statistic that needs urgent action.”
Support the ‘Gluten-free Guarantee’
This research, published by The American Journal of Gastroenterology comes out as the charity celebrates its annual Awareness campaign, which this year is entitled the ‘Gluten-free Guarantee’ and aims to improve availability of gluten-free foods in stores across the UK .
From 12-18 May 2014 the charity is asking people across the UK to support the ‘Gluten-free Guarantee’ which asks supermarkets to commit to have in stock eight core items of gluten-free food, making it easier for people with the condition to manage their gluten-free diet, which is their only treatment.
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