Your T1D Could Be a Red Flag for Other Autoimmune Issues

Autoimmune diseases are more common than many think; about 1 in 15 people in the US has at least one autoimmune condition. When you already have one autoimmune disease, your risk of developing another one increases. This is called autoimmune clustering.

📌 What are Autoimmune Conditions?

Autoimmune conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, thinking they are harmful invaders. Normally, the immune system works as a defense system, spotting viruses, bacteria, and toxins and sending white blood cells to destroy them.

But in autoimmune conditions, this system becomes overactive. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system turns on your own tissues, causing inflammation and long-term (chronic) symptoms.

There are more than 100 autoimmune conditions, affecting nearly every part of the body, including:

• Joints and muscles
• Skin and blood vessels
• Digestive system
• Endocrine organs (like the pancreas and thyroid)
• Nervous system

Because these conditions are lifelong, early detection and proactive care can make a huge difference.

📌 Type 1 Diabetes as an Autoimmune Condition

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) develops when the immune system targets and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Because the immune system is already prone to attacking healthy tissue, people with T1D have a higher chance of developing other autoimmune conditions over time. 

This increased risk comes from:

• Shared genetic markers
• Immune system overactivity
• Environmental triggers, like illness or stress

Routine screening for other autoimmune conditions is a key part of long-term Type 1 diabetes care.

📌 Other Common Autoimmune Conditions

👉🏻 A) Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases – Hashimoto’s and Graves’ Disease

The most common autoimmune conditions associated with T1D:

• Hashimoto’s disease: causes low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
• Graves’ disease: causes high thyroid function (hyperthyroidism)

Symptoms may include: fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, hair loss, anxiety, or heart palpitations.

Because thyroid problems are so common, people with T1D are screened regularly for these conditions.

👉🏻 B) Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is one of the most well-known autoimmune conditions and one that frequently appears alongside T1D. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation that can make daily activities difficult. Over time, this inflammation can damage cartilage and bone, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.

Symptoms can include: fatigue, low-grade fever, and inflammation in joints or other parts of the body.

👉🏻 C) Celiac Disease

Celiac disease affects the small intestine and is triggered by gluten. People with T1D are up to 10 times more likely to have celiac disease.

Symptoms can include: stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, or unexplained low blood sugars after meals.

But many people with T1D and celiac have no symptoms, making screening especially important.

👉🏻 D) Other Autoimmune Conditions:

• Pernicious Anemia
• Addison’s Disease
• Vitiligo
• Lupus
• Psoriasis
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Multiple sclerosis

Because symptoms vary widely, paying attention to new changes in your body is important.

Living with T1D already requires daily attention, and adding another autoimmune disease can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, many people manage multiple autoimmune conditions well. Remember, your providers are here to support you; you’re not navigating any condition alone.

Disclaimer: Any information provided is not intended as medical advice. Iowa Diabetes is not responsible for any information from third parties.