World Celiac Disease Day. In Italy 600,000 people suffer from it, but 400,000 are in limbo
In Italy only 265 thousand people have an official diagnosis of celiac disease
If for many World Celiac Day It is just a calendar anniversary, for over 600,000 Italians it represents a daily life made of forced choices, silent exclusions and forced awareness. Of these, however, only 265,102 have an official diagnosis . The rest? Almost 400,000 people live with underestimated or confused symptoms, too often branded as "passing problems".
But let's be careful, because celiac disease is not just a dietary issue. We are talking about a chronic autoimmune disease that, if not recognized in time, can cause serious damage. It is not a fad or a diet to choose to "feel better". The difference is made by the diagnosis, and it is precisely that, unfortunately, that too many people still lack. "Diagnoses represent only 45% of the expected value - underlines Rossella Valmarana , president of the Italian Celiac Association -. For this reason our commitment is aimed at ensuring an early diagnosis, essential to prevent even very serious complications".
We are talking about hundreds of thousands of people who, even today, do not know they have celiac disease, or who live in the frustration of not being believed. Families who silently face every day the management of a disease that leaves no room for error, because of which even a crumb of bread can be dangerous.
For this reason, AIC has planned a series of events dedicated to the theme of celiac disease, which will continue until Sunday 18 May, marking the time frame of the National Celiac Week: public meetings, free consultations, workshops for children, cooking classes and moments of scientific dissemination. Not only for celiacs, but for everyone, because the first tool to guarantee inclusion is knowledge. At an international level, AIC also supports the petition launched by the Catalan Celiac Association , to ask the European Union for a Framework Directive on celiac disease. What is urgently needed is the establishment of an observatory, a standardized diagnostic protocol, training for healthcare personnel, incentives for the production of gluten-free foods and compliance with existing regulations to guarantee safe options in public catering.
"On the twentieth anniversary of Law 123/2005 , we enthusiastically support this petition - explains Valmarana - The hope is that what is now called the 'Celiac System' in Italy can become a European model. We cannot allow the fundamental rights of people with celiac disease to still depend on the country in which they live. The invitation of this day is simple but urgent: listen. Understand. Protect ."
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