The cause of celiac disease is unknown. However, people who have family members with celiac disease have a higher chance of developing the condition. Celiac disease is most common in Caucasians, and more women have been diagnosed than men.

It is also common that people with celiac disease also have another condition.

People with celiac disease are more likely to also have:

• Type 1 diabetes,
• thyroid disease,
• intestinal cancer,
• Down syndrome,
• autoimmune disorders,
• Addison's disease,
• intestinal lymphoma, and
• lactose intolerance