Disciplined lifestyle, family support key to tackling celiac disease: Expert

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) observed Celiac Disease Day with an awareness programme focused on early diagnosis, family involvement and lifestyle transformation to manage the chronic condition.

Organised by the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the event was led by Sadhna Lal, Head of the Department, who stressed the pressing need to demystify Celiac Disease.

“Celiac is not a disease in the traditional sense—it’s a long-term commitment to a new way of life,” she said, further adding, “It requires knowledge, discipline and most importantly, support from the family.”

Lal then went on to highlight PGIMER’s long-standing role in pioneering treatment of Celiac Disease in India, dating back to the 1980s. “With nearly 18,000 patients treated to date, our clinic stands among the largest in the world dedicated to this condition,” she shared.

Yet, the bigger challenge lies in recognition. “Celiac Disease is like an iceberg. What we see are just the visible cases—many go undiagnosed due to vague or non-specific symptoms,” said Prof Lal. While iron-deficiency anaemia remains the most common indicator, the disease increasingly presents without traditional signs like growth failure, making it harder to detect. “Today, nearly 50% of affected children exhibit normal growth, which can easily mislead clinicians.”

Citing research conducted at PGIMER, she revealed that around one in 100 children in North India may be living with the condition, many unknowingly.

“If untreated, gluten acts like slow poison,” she warned. “It causes irreversible and silent damage to internal organs.”

She offered several practical tips for parents, urging them never to send children to school without breakfast, to instil disciplined eating habits, and to actively involve their children in understanding their condition.

“Let your child lead—empower them to take control,” she said.

The day-long programme, held at PGIMER’s APC Auditorium, also featured interactive sessions with paediatric gastroenterologists, nutritionists and counsellors for attendees.

Chandigarh