What the “I” in DEI Stands For
Year ago I created a graphic. One a name tag it says “Hello I am”, and in the space where you’d write your name, it says “tired of being left out.” In smaller letters it says “Please don’t exclude me because of my Celiac Disease.”
I think it’s a sentiment that most of us can relate to. And one I hope would move us to make sure that others aren’t excluded in other situations.
In other words, we should be people who work towards the “Inclusion” of others. Because that’s what caring, compassionate people do.
Sincerely,
Margaret Clegg
Link to weekly grocery sales - https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-grocery-sales/
Two weeks until Fat Tuesday- GF Paczki Bakers in Michigan
Racial Disparities in Celiac Disease Testing
For decades, statistics informed the assumption that Celiac Disease was less common in the Black population. But is that really true, or we simply just not looking for it? Recent research shows that people in the Black population has similar levels of the DQ2 genes for Celiac Disease as the White population. (White people are more likely to have DQ8 genes.)
In addition, Black people who do have biopsy confirmed Celiac Disease have been shown to have lower TTG antibody levels than White people. Which seems to imply that we need a better Celiac Disease testing method that works accurately for all ethnicities.
Testing methods aside, a doctor’s willingness to test for the disease needs to change. Recent research showed that 25% of Black people with Celiac Disease symptoms were never tested. In another study, 66% of Black patients who suffered from both anemia and diarrhea, were not tested for Celiac Disease, despite anemia being a major symptom.
The more we educate ourselves, the better we can advocate for the best Celiac Disease screening and care for all people. Read stories from Black patients such as Jocelyn, Deborah, Bionqua, Liz, and Jasmin,
Learn more about Celiac Disease in the Black community in this Instagram post from Liz at Yeet That Wheat.
Black Gluten Free / Food Allergy Creators I Follow on Instagram
@LaShawnWiltz (son has Wheat allergy)
Celiac Disease & Gluten Free Headlines
RECALL - Undeclared Wheat in Pancake Snack Pack
RECALL - Undeclared Wheat in Las Ollas Botana Mix Snacks
RECALL - Undeclared Wheat in Ulker Brand snack rolls, biscuits, and wafers
2025 Gluten Free Events in the United States
Mar 6- Gluten Free Meals Made Easy- Oryana Foods Traverse City
Mar 9 - Winter Royal Tea- Royal Park Hotel - Rochester
Mar 22 & 23- Rhode Island GFree Fest - Providence, RI
Mar 29- Connecticut GF Expo 10 am - 6 pm
May 17 - Philadelphia GF Expo 10 am - 5 pm
Aug 10-15 - Michigan Gluten Free Kids Camp
Sept 26-27 - My Gluten Free World Expo Utah
Oct 3-5 - Gluten Free Baking Retreat, Roscommon MI