What to Know About Celiac Disease
Understanding the signs, diagnosis, and long-term management of celiac disease.
Celiac disease is a chronic (long-term) digestive and immune disorder that damages the small intestine, which is triggered by eating foods containing gluten, a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye. 01 It can be serious, as it may cause long-lasting digestive problems and prevent the body from getting all the nutrients it needs. It can also affect the body outside the small intestine. 01
This page provides an evidence-based overview of celiac disease and key facts on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder, meaning it often runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing it. 02
How many people have celiac disease?
Approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide – or 1% of the population – has celiac disease. 02 However, only about 30% of people who have celiac disease are properly diagnosed. 02
What happens when you have celiac disease?
When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system inappropriately starts to attack the lining of their small intestine, leading to inflammation and ultimately damage. The specific reason why the immune system, in people with celiac disease, reacts to gluten in this way can be the result of multiple factors: 03
- Genetics (family genes)
- Environmental (things around us)
- Immunological
What are the signs and symptoms of celiac disease?
| Digestive symptoms 03 | Non-digestive symptoms 03 |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Fatigue |
| Constipation | Weight loss |
| Bloating | Anemia |
| Gas | Dermatitis |
| Abdominal pain | Headaches |
| Nausea | Migraines |
| Vomiting | Joint pain |
| Nervous system issues |
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
A gluten test, also called gluten exposure or gluten challenge, assesses whether an individual is suffering from celiac disease. From there, a doctor may perform a blood test, genetic tests, or biopsies from the gut (intestinal) by endoscopy.
An endoscopy is a procedure carried out while an individual is sleeping or very relaxed, where a small camera is inserted down the patient’s throat to help see inside the stomach and take a small sample.
What is the treatment for celiac disease?
Right now, there is no medication to treat celiac disease. A strict gluten free diet is the only way to manage the condition. 03 This can be challenging, as there are many hidden sources of gluten. 01 Other nutritional supplements and medications may be used to help manage symptoms. 03
Teva’s research and development in celiac disease
With approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide having celiac disease 01 and only about 30% of those being properly diagnosed 02, Teva Pharmaceuticals, as a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical industry, is dedicated to advancing treatments for immunological, including gastrointestinal diseases.
Our commitment to celiac disease is executed through development of promising compounds aimed at providing better health for patients across the globe.
References
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition and Facts for Celiac Disease. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/definition-facts [Accessed February 2026]
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Celiac Disease Foundation. What is Celiac Disease? Available at: https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/ [Accessed February 2026]
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National Library of Medicine. Celiac Disease. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441900/ [Accessed February 2026]
FAQs: Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder, meaning it often runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing it. 01
Approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide – or 1% of the population – has celiac disease. However, only about 30% of people who have celiac disease are properly diagnosed.
Symptoms can include digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, as well as non-digestive symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, anemia, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, joint pain and nervous system issues.
A gluten test, also called gluten exposure or gluten challenge, assesses whether an individual is suffering from celiac disease. This may be followed by blood tests, genetic tests, or an endoscopy, where a small camera is inserted down the patient’s throat to help see inside the stomach and take a small sample.
Right now, there is no medication to treat celiac disease.
A strict gluten free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease. This can be challenging, as there are many hidden sources of gluten, such as medications, cosmetics and household items. Other nutritional supplements and medications may be used to help manage symptoms.
Find out more
- Discover more about the US FDA Fast Track designation for Teva celiac disease candidate
- Learn more about our research aimed at developing new treatments for conditions with high unmet needs
- Explore our plans to step up innovation by working on breakthrough treatments for diseases that are on the rise worldwide
- Interested in getting involved in the work that we do? Explore a career at Teva
NPS-ALL-NP-01706 FEBRUARY 2026