Celiac Facts for Patients

Part of the gastrointestinal tract between the stomach and the large intestine. In the small intestine, most of the end absorption of food takes place. The small intestine has three distinct regions – the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Any solid substance (as opposite of liquid), that is used as a source of nourishment. This term is often used in the sense of weaning food or complementary food, i.e. all foods other than breastmilk or infant formula.

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. 

Inflammation of a certain part of the small intestine (called jejunum). It is characterized by ulceration, i.e. the development of lesions in the lining of the small intestine. It is a rare complication in refractory sprue. Treatment is difficult and may even require surgery to remove the areas affected by ulcers.

A kind of fat that is liquid at room temperature and comes from a plant, such as olive, peanut, corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, or soybean oil. Unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated fats.

Small, finger-like projections that extend into the lumen of the small intestine. Villi increase the internal surface area of the intestinal walls making a greater surface available.