"If you think you might have celiac disease, be especially careful," says Dr. Laskin. "Don't start a gluten-free diet until you've been tested. It can impact your blood tests and your physician's ability to determine whether or not you have the disease."

He also cautions that gluten-free products should not be considered as weight loss aids, because they may still be high in carbohydrates and fat, and they may register high on the glycemic index. The glycemic index describes the difference in carbohydrate foods by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels.

The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. While there are many issues being debated about health system reform, the physician members will continue to focus on better health for all Pennsylvanians. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit the web site at www.pamedsoc.

Additional Resources:

The Celiac Disease Foundation (www.celiac)

The Celiac Sprue Association (www.csaceliacs)

American Celiac Disease Alliance (www.americanceliac)