03/02/2026
Coeliac 3
Who’s affected by Coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease affects at least 1 in 100 people in the UK, but some experts think this may be an underestimate because milder cases may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as other digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Reported cases are much higher in women than in men. It can develop at any age. People with certain conditions, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Down’s syndrome and Turner syndrome have an increased risk of getting coeliac disease.
First degree relatives of people (parents, siblings and children) with coeliac disease are also at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Routine testing for coeliac disease is not done in England. Testing is usually only recommended for people who have symptoms or have an increased risk of developing the disease. First degree relatives of people with coeliac disease should be tested.