The different types of autoimmune diseases and what causes them. Perfect revision material for AS biology.

1. Type 1 Diabetes
Diabetes is a life long condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become to
high. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition which is when your immune system attacks
healthy body tissue by mistake. In type 1 the immune system attacks the cells in the
pancreas. The damaged pancreas cant produce insulin thus glucose cannot be moved out
of your bloodstream and into cells.
Type 1 diabetes is often inherited so the autoimmune reaction is thought to be genetic.
Researchers believe that the immune system attacks the pancreas due to a viral infection.
Symptoms of diabetes are
• Passing more urine than usual
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very tired
• Weight loss and loss of muscles.
The symptoms will develop very quickly in young
people( few days) whereas, in adults the symptoms
can take longer to develop ( months).
The reason symptoms occur is because the lack of insulin means that glucose stays in
the blood and is not used as fuel for energy. Your body then tries to reduce blood glucose
levels by getting rid of the excess glucose in your urine.
Diabetes can’t be cured. The treatments simply aims to keep your blood glucose levels
as normal as possible and control the symptoms. Since the body can’t produce insulin
you’ll need regular insulin injections to keep your glucose levels normal.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll have to look after your health very carefully.
This means that you have to….
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Lose weight if overweight and maintain
a healthy weight
• Stop smoking if you smoke
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Take lots of regular exercise.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain,swelling and stiffing in
the joints. The symptoms usually affect the hands, feet and wrists.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease .This means that the immune system
which usually fights infection attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the
joints swollen, stiff and painful. Over time this will damage the cartilage and the bone.
There is no clear idea on what causes rheumatoid arthritis but you are most at risk if:
• You are a woman
• You have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis
• You smoke.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often develop gradually over several weeks but some
may only takes days. Symptoms can come and go and vary from one person to another.
Main symptoms are
• Joint Pains
• Problems with joints.
• Stiffness e.g. when bending
your fingers
• Swelling warmth and redness
• A poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Fever
There is no cure too rheumatoid arthritis but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment
leads people to continue working. The main treatment options include:
• Long-term Medication – to relieve symptoms and slow the progress of the
condition.
• Supportive treatments such as physiotherapy to keep you mobile
• Surgery to correct any joint problems that develop.