🧬 Family Matters: The Genetic Link
📢 Did you know? Celiac disease runs in the family.
Many people view a Celiac disease diagnosis as an individual journey, but it is actually a hereditary condition. Despite this strong genetic link, an overwhelming majority of first-degree relatives of diagnosed patients remain entirely untested.
If you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, your parents, siblings, and children have a 1 in 10 risk of developing it too.
Because Celiac disease is an "iceberg illness," family members might have silent or atypical symptoms without realizing their gut is sustaining damage. Taking a proactive step toward screening can prevent long-term complications and help your loved ones build a future where they can truly thrive.
👥 How to Take Action Together:
1. Share Your Story: Use this month as an opportunity to talk to your family about your diagnosis journey and what symptoms led you to get tested.
2. Advocate for Screening: Encourage your first-degree relatives to ask their doctor for a simple, initial Celiac disease blood test (like the tTG-IgA screening, IgA DGP Antibodies, Gastroscopy & Biopsy).
3. Don't Drop Gluten Yet: Remind them that they must continue eating a regular, gluten-containing diet prior to testing, so the results are accurate.
Let's look out for the people who matter most. 🤝❤️
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