Italy Leads the Way in Paediatric Screening for Coeliac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes
Italy has become the first country in the world to introduce a national law mandating mass screening for coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes in children aged 2 to 10. The landmark Law 130/2023 aims to improve early diagnosis, reduce complications, and provide better care for children living with these chronic conditions.
In 2024, a pilot study was launched to test the programme’s feasibility. It involved over 5,000 children and around 400 paediatricians across four regions – Lombardy, Sardinia, Marche, and Campania.
The initial results are surprisingly high, with 2.8–2.9% of children testing positive for coeliac-specific antibodies, more than double the global average prevalence of around 1–1.4%. This indicates a significant number of children at risk who would otherwise remain undiagnosed. Additionally, 0.8% of children showed markers for type 1 diabetes.
The Italian Coeliac Society (AIC), a member of the national Observatory established by the law, has played a leading role in raising awareness among families and healthcare professionals. This pioneering initiative has attracted international interest, with experts worldwide closely monitoring Italy’s progress.
To share these important findings, AOECS will host a webinar featuring Olimpia Vincentini, Senior Scientist at the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), and an introduction by Mr Giorgio Mulè, Vice-President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and promoter of the law.
Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Time: 15:00 CEST
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams