WIN Notes Update: August

WIN Notes Update*

August 2014


Gene type confers 26 percent chance of early celiac sign by age 5

More than one quarter of children with two copies of a high-risk variant in a specific group of genes develop an early sign of celiac disease called celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA) by age 5. The findings are from The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in Youth consortium, or TEDDY. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study, published July 2 in the New England Journal of Medicine, also found that participants in Sweden had higher rates of celiac disease than participants in the United States, Finland, and Germany, even with the same genetic risks.

TEDDY is studying celiac disease and type 1 diabetes because both are autoimmune diseases with some of the same genetic risk factors. Celiac disease occurs in just under 1 percent of the U.S. population, and is more common than type 1 diabetes. Celiac disease stems from an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Over time, celiac disease can damage the small intestine and cause other health problems. People with celiac disease and CDA need to follow a gluten-free diet.

To learn more, check out the full news release.


Two-year old participant in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in Youth (TEDDY) consortium with teddy bear and nurse..

At the University of Colorado Denver’s Barbara Davis Center, 2-year-old Cameron learns about blood draws with the help of nurse Betsy Burke and a teddy bear. Cameron is a participant in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in Youth (TEDDY) consortium. Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others, TEDDY is following the health of more than 8,500 children in the United States, Finland, Sweden, and Germany to find the causes of type 1 diabetes. Photo courtesy of the Barbara Davis Center, TEDDY Colorado Clinical Center.




Talk about high blood pressure before heading

back to school

The start of a new school year is a good time for parents to ‘check up’ on their child’s health, including their blood pressure. Annual well visits are an important time to discuss high blood pressure because, contrary to popular belief, children can have high blood pressure and the number of children with high blood pressure is growing. Being overweight can increase your chances of developing high blood pressure. Here are some things parents need to know before the next pediatrician’s visit:

  • All children 3 years of age and older should have their blood pressure checked regularly. Having high blood pressure may not cause any symptoms. If the blood pressure is high at three health care visits, your child may need further testing.

  • High blood pressure in children needs to be treated. Untreated high blood pressure can cause kidney disease, heart disease, eye disease, and other serious health problems over time. Treatment begins with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.

For more information, download High Blood Pressure and Children: What Parents Need to Know from the National Kidney Disease Education Program, another NIDDK initiative.



Watch for the next issue of the WIN Notes Update for…

…tips to help you observe National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. 

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What’s new with WIN publications?

The hot summer weather can make it hard to be active and choose healthy foods and beverages. Find ways to stay healthy in all seasons with WIN’s Improving Your Health: Tips for African Americans. This fact sheet discusses small steps people can take to manage their weight, feel better, and be healthier.

Visit WIN’s website to download the newest versions of each publication. You can also call us toll free to order print copies (1–877–946–4627). Note that not all of our publications are available in print.



Visit WIN at AADE14

Don’t forget to visit WIN’s exhibit at the American Association of Diabetes Educators 2014 Annual Meeting and Exhibition (AADE14) from August 6 through 9 in Orlando, FL. Our booth number will be 106. We hope to see you there!