LONDON, November 1 /PRNewswire/ -- One in a hundred Britons could be unaware they are at risk from coeliac disease due to mis-diagnosis, new independent research, commissioned by Coeliac UK, has revealed.

Alarmingly the research has identified low awareness of the symptoms of coeliac disease (pronounced seeliac) and the lack of correct diagnosis among GPs. If left untreated coeliac disease can result in serious complications such as osteoporosis and gut cancer.

With at least 250,000 individuals in the UK who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, and a predicted further 500,000 undiagnosed cases, the need for greater awareness among GPs in driving diagnosis is crucial.

The research, which included an internet survey of coeliac patients and group discussions with GPs, revealed that among those GPs interviewed, there is common acceptance that coeliac disease is under diagnosed with most admitting that it is something they are not knowledgeable about. Interestingly, few were able to recall a personal experience whereby they identified the disease in any one patient.

The patient survey revealed that nearly 50% of diagnosis was accidental - a result of an investigation for some other condition, with 50% confirming their diagnosis was concluded once everything else had been ruled out!

Only 12% of patients claimed that coeliac disease was the first thing their GP thought of and a further 10% of patients were only diagnosed once they themselves had suggested the possibility of coeliac disease to their GP.

Dr William Dickey, a gastroenterologist specialising in coeliac disease said: "Patients with chronic diarrhoea and other gut symptoms or unexplained anaemia may see various medical practitioners over a period of years before the diagnosis of coeliac disease is made. Often symptoms are attributed to irritable bowel syndrome. I believe that general practitioners have a key role to play in the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease and initiatives are needed to facilitate this."

Andrew Ladds, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK, explains: "If we had GBP10m - that's one day's worth of what the NHS is spending on diabetes, we could make a huge impact on many people's lives without having to treat them with expensive drugs."

Coeliac disease is caused by sensitivity to gluten which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and in some cases, oats. It is now one of the highest food allergies/intolerances in terms of prevalence but by far the lowest in awareness.

For further information about coeliac disease contact Coeliac UK's helpline on +44(0)870-444-8804 or visit their website - www.coeliac.co.uk.