Each May, communities around the world recognise World Coeliac Awareness Month- a time to raise awareness about coeliac disease, support those living with the condition, and encourage earlier diagnosis.
For many people, discovering they have coeliac disease can be life‑changing. Greater awareness, research and community support are helping more people understand the condition and manage it safely.
At OMG! Decadent Donuts, this month holds special meaning because many of our customers follow a strict gluten‑free diet, sometimes because that makes them feel better generally but often because they’ve been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and food is their medicine.
How good that a box of delicious OMG! Donuts is medicine!!!
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition triggered by gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi responsible for absorbing nutrients.
Over time this damage can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies and other long‑term health complications if left untreated.
Currently, the only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten‑free diet.
How Many People Are Affected?
Coeliac disease is far more common than many people realise.
In Australia, approximately 1 in 70 people are estimated to have coeliac disease. That equates to around 350,000 Australians. However, it is believed that up to 80% of people with the condition remain undiagnosed.
Globally, research suggests that around 1% of the world’s population lives with coeliac disease. With the global population estimated at around 8.1 billion people, that means approximately 80–81 million people worldwide may be living with Coeliac Disease.
Beyond diagnosed Coeliac Disease, millions more people follow a gluten‑free diet for medical or lifestyle reasons. This highlights how important awareness and safe gluten‑free food options have become. We are super proud that our product is endorsed by Coeliac Australia and that each and every one of our OMG! Business Owners around Australia are both trained by and then accredited by Coeliac Australia.
The Important Work of Coeliac Australia
In Australia, Coeliac Australia plays a vital role in supporting people living with the condition.
The organisation works to raise awareness about coeliac disease and gluten‑free living, support research and medical understanding, provide education and resources for individuals and families, and offer certification programs that help consumers identify safe gluten‑free products.
Initiatives such as World Coeliac Awareness Month help encourage people to seek medical advice if they suspect they may be affected.
Could You Have Coeliac Disease?
Because symptoms vary widely, many people live with coeliac disease for years without realising it.
Common symptoms may include fatigue, digestive discomfort, bloating, iron deficiency, headaches or skin issues. Some people experience only mild symptoms, which is one reason the condition is often underdiagnosed.
Self‑assessment tools and symptom checklists available through organisations such as Coeliac Australia can help people decide whether they should speak to their doctor about testing.
It is important that medical testing occurs before removing gluten from the diet so an accurate diagnosis can be made.
Why Awareness Matters
Because so many people remain undiagnosed, increasing awareness can have a significant impact on health outcomes.
Earlier diagnosis can help prevent long‑term complications and improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
World Coeliac Awareness Month reminds us how important it is to recognise symptoms, support people living with coeliac disease, and ensure safe and reliable gluten‑free food choices are available.
A Treat Everyone Can Enjoy
At OMG! Decadent Donuts, we’re proud to create donuts that are certified gluten‑free and safe for people with coeliac disease.
For many of our customers, finding a treat they can enjoy with confidence is incredibly meaningful.
During World Coeliac Awareness Month we celebrate the organisations, researchers and advocates working hard to improve awareness and support for the coeliac community — because everyone deserves a treat they can enjoy safely.
World Coeliac Awareness Month May
