Before discussing the question “Is diabetes an autoimmune disease?”, it may help to understand what an autoimmune disease is. In essence, and for the sake of simplicity, an autoimmune disease is an allergy to yourself. The immune system attacks certain cells, depending on the autoimmune disease, because it thinks those cells are foreign, or an enemy. Of course they are not, but the immune system attacks them just the same. So if the body is destroying cells that shouldn’t be destroyed as if they are an invasion of your own body, you have an autoimmune disease. Diabetes, an autoimmune disease if it is type 1 falls within the definition.

Insulin dependent diabetes type 1 is an autoimmune disease of the pancreas, destroying the cells that produce insulin. So, is diabetes an autoimmune disease if it is type? The answer is a resounding yes.

 

Diabetes as an Autoimmune Disease in Families

 

Is diabetes an autoimmune disease that can run in families? Unfortunately, it is. Diabetes, an autoimmune disease that tends to run in families also passes along a higher risk of other autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetics and their families are at a 20% higher risk for developing other autoimmune disease. The most common other autoimmune disease that runs in type 1 diabetic families is Thyroid disease.  Compared to the general population, with a 4.5% risk of thyroid disease, 15 to 20 percent of diabetics siblings and parents show evidence of thyroid autoimmune disease.

 

Diabetes and Autoimmune Disease Risk.

 

Not only is diabetes an autoimmune disease that increases risk of thyroid autoimmune disease, but autoimmune reactions against intestinal parietal cells is more common in type 1 diabetics and their families. Antibodies against parietal cells are found in up to six percent of these families.

Other autoimmune diseases that are more likely in type 1 diabetics families include:

  • Addison’s disease – this autoimmune disease attacks the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. Addison’s disease causes nausea, fatigue, rashes, and general weakness.
  • Autoimmune disease against the skin – causes light patches on the skin that are unsightly.
  • Myasthenia gravis – an autoimmune disease that attacks neurotransmitters and prevents nerve signals from reaching muscle tissue. This condition gets worse with activity, and gets better with rest
  • Celiac disease – an autoimmune disease affecting the intestine and stomach and interferes both with digestion, and proper absorption of nutrients from the food you eat.

 

Is Diabetes an Autoimmune Disease If It Is Type 2?

 

Currently, type 2 diabetes is considered a metabolic disorder and not an autoimmune disease. But some researchers are in the process of redefining type 2 diabetes as an autoimmune disease. More research is needed before that distinction is made, but it may change the way type 2 diabetes is treated and managed.