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- Living With Celiac Disease
- Resource Guide
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop celiac disease with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing celiac disease. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
Genetic Factors
Your chances of having celiac disease are greater if the condition runs in your immediate family. It is estimated that close relatives of people with celiac disease have a 5%-10% chance of developing the disease.
Ethnic Background
Celiac disease tends to be more common in people who are of European descent.
Medical Conditions
If you have another autoimmune disorder, you are at greater risk of developing celiac disease. These disorders include:
- Lupus
- Type 1 diabetes
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin condition associated with celiac disease)
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/. Accessed March 9, 2006.
