Hello I don't believe it is a fast growing epidemic globally it affects just over 1% of the population .. though that figure is likely inaccurate as it is a disease that often is undiagnosed . Symptoms such as diarrhoea .. bloating . Fatigue ., are generalised and can be associated with many gastrointestinal disturbances ., diagnosis however is very easy . It is a simple blood test to detect antigens present in the blood .

We know it is an autoimmune disease (a disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells ) with likely a genetic and environmental component . There is a large study under way in Sweden looking at links between introduction of solid food in children when transitioning from breast feeding ., Swedish children have high rates of caeliac disease but the study will look at different areas around the world .

Many people do not understand the difference between a food allergy and an autoimmune response . It is possible to be allergic to wheat, rye or barley ( the gluten grain proteins ) without having celiacs . Wheat is often associated with food allergies also .

Other studies are looking at what happens when gluten is removed from the diet and so far their appears a possible link to increased levels of type ll diatetes and increased levels of arsenic and mercury in the blood . Highlights the importance of confirming a diagnosis and not just following a health fad .

global populations are much more transient now .. this paper provides some history of when we first became aware of celiacs and the populations affected ...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3264942/

And the latest research findings targeting treatment .... and

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180223122343.htm
Hope it helps . Welcome to the forums