The genetic underpinnings of both diseases are strongly linked to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotype – with certain variations of HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4 being principally responsible. So – is it fair to say that the reason we see type 1 diabetes and celiac disease running together is that they are both driven by the same genetic risks?

To answer this question, researchers undertook an ambitious project. At 6 US and European centers, 424,788 newborns underwent genetic screening for these high-risk HLAs. Two percent, 8,676 kids, were found who had high-risk genetics. These kids were then followed prospectively for about 5 years to see who would develop the relevant disease-associated antibodies over time.

The big question was whether the kids who developed both sets of antibodies would be the key to understanding the common underpinnings of the two diseases.

But we need to understand something about those kids first. Take a look at this graphic.