Who can get it?

Anyone can develop coeliac disease, but certain factors make it more likely. Here’s who is at higher risk:

Family history

Coeliac disease is strongly linked to genetics. If a close relative (parent, sibling, child) has it, your risk is higher — about 1 in 10.

Other autoimmune diseases

It’s more common in people with conditions such as:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid disease (e.g., Hashimoto’s)
• Autoimmune liver disease
• Addison’s disease

Certain genetic markers

• Nearly everyone with coeliac disease carries the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 gene variants, though having these doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition.

Age and gender

• It can develop at any age — in childhood or adulthood.
• It affects both men and women, but is slightly more common in women.