10/03/2026
March is Autoimmune Awareness Month.
Coeliac disease (pronounced see liac) is a serious autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system reacts to gluten.
When someone has coeliac disease, this reaction causes the immune system to attack and damage the lining of the gut (villi), where food and nutrients are absorbed. Coeliac disease is not an allergy or food intolerance, and the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet for life.
Autoimmune conditions can also overlap. Research shows that people with one autoimmune condition may be at increased risk of developing another. For example, between 4 and 9% of people with Type 1 diabetes also have coeliac disease, compared to around 1% of the general population.
That’s why we’re proud to be part of Connect Immune Research, a partnership bringing together organisations including Crohn's & Colitis UK, Breakthrough T1D, MS Society UK, Arthritis UK , Alopecia UK - Charity, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance and the British Society for Immunology.
By working together and focusing on similarities between autoimmune conditions, we aim to accelerate research and unlock new insights.
Find out more about coeliac disease: https://f.mtr.cool/pdqpqvwmuw
