I was diagnosed with celiac disease fairly recently, am on a gluten-free diet, and am now feeling fine. Do I need to continue to have follow-up appointments with my healthcare team?

During the first year after diagnosis, more frequent follow-ups are generally recommended. After that, speak with your healthcare team about annual follow–ups. Each person’s physical and emotional health is unique, so the frequency of follow-ups should be discussed and determined with a personal physician and healthcare team.  

The screening blood tests done as part of the celiac diagnosis are a primary component of a follow-up visit since high antibody levels can indicate gluten exposure and incomplete healing. Seeking help from a dietitian knowledgeable about the gluten-free diet may also be advisable, especially if lab results indicate gluten exposure, and/or if there are particular nutritional deficiencies or concerns. 

References 

• • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Evidence Analysis Library. Medical Nutrition Therapy Effectiveness (MNT) Systematic Review (2013-2015). Accessed July 16, 2018. 
  • Canadian Celiac Association. A Resource for Health Care Professionals: Follow-up Management of Patients with Celiac Disease. Prepared by the Professional Advisory Council, Canadian Celiac Association, March 16, 2016. www.celiac.ca/b/?page_id=3835. Accessed July 16, 2018. 
  • Rubio-Tapia A, et al. ACG Clinical Guidelines: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. Am J Gastroenterol 2013; 108:656–676; doi: 10.1038/ajg.2013.79. 
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3706994/. Accessed July 16, 2018. 
  • Silvester JA, Rashid M. Long-term follow-up of individuals with celiac disease: An evaluation of current practice guidelines. Can J Gastroenterol. 2007 Sep; 21(9): 557–564. Accessed July 16, 2018. 
  • University of Chicago Medicine Celiac Disease Center. Follow-up Testing. https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/wp-content/uploads/341_CDCFactSheets7_PostDiagnosis.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2018. 
  • Welstead L. Guandalini S: Academic Editor. The Gluten-Free Diet in the 3rd Millennium: Rules, Risks and Opportunities. Diseases. 2015 Sep; 3(3): 136–149. Published online 2015 July 13. doi: 10.3390/diseases3030136. Accessed July 16, 2018.