Celiac Facts for Patients

Antibodies against tissue-transglutaminase.

IgA class auto-antibodies against tissue transglutaminase. Antibodies (=immunoglobulins) of class IgA against tissue transglutaminase; this is a blood marker which is specific for celiac disease and easy to analyse, therefore it should be the first diagnostic measure to test for celiac disease.

This is a special enzyme and is particularly notable for being an autoantigen in celiac disease.

Type 1 diabetes is an irreversible condition in which the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed by an autoimmune process. Therefore the pancreas cannot produce sufficient amounts of insulin anymore. Without insulin, the cells of the body cannot absorb glucose (sugar) which they need for their energy metabolism. Poor insulin production therefore leads to high blood glucose levels and disturbed energy metabolism. As a consequence, daily injections of insulin are necessary.

Is a long-term metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood sugar over a prolonged period. The cells of the body are becoming resistant to insulin, which usually is responsible for the absorption of glucose in the body cells. It can have serious short-and long-term complications if not treated, because the unusually high levels of blood sugar can affect the blood vessels in several organs, leading to several health problems. Treatment usually includes adaptation of dietary habits, reduction of overweight, physical exercise and taking medication. In severe cases daily injections of insulin may be necessary.