What Causes Celiac Disease

Celiac disease occurs as a result of genetic factors,
gluten, and other environmental factors.  The genes
necessary for the disease to occur include HLA DQ2
or DQ8.  However, these genes are common, occurring
in about 30% of the general population.
Celiac disease may develop at any age from infancy
to old age and occurs equally in males and females.
Who is at risk for developing the disease? Anyone is at risk
for developing the disease, the risk increases if you have the
following:

• Relatives of those with celiac
• Those with type 1 diabetes
• Those with Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Those with down syndrome or turner syndrome