In view of rising incidents of celiac disease (CeD), triggered by consuming protein gluten found in wheat and similar grains, among North Indians, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines for the diagnosis and management of the chronic condition.
These are first of its kind detailed guidelines on ‘dos’ and `don’ts’ keeping in mind need and environmental condition of the celiac patients in the country.
Till now, the health professionals in the country have been managing celiac patients based on the guidelines developed by European and North American Associations. But these are considered insufficient in addressing unique features of the disease in India, said Professor Narendra K Arora, Chairman ICMR task force on celiac disease and executive director of INClEN Trust International.
He further noted that the disease was earlier considered to be limited to Western countries, but a population-based study conducted by the ICMR in Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Assam showed that sero-prevalence of the disorder is 1 per cent, .2 per cent and .8 per cent respectively, indicating its existence and pattern across India.