Autoimmune diseases are a broad range of health conditions that occur when your immune system attacks your own body. The immune system normally defends the body against harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria.

But in autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects about 1.5 million Americans. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Without insulin, the body cannot convert glucose into energy, leading to high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain. It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans have lupus, and the majority of them are women.

The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Symptoms of lupus can vary widely, but may include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and fever.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects about 1.3 million Americans. It occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other organs, such as the lungs and heart. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. It occurs when the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

This reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Celiac disease affects about 1% of the population, and can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers.

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This damage can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, tremors, and loss of balance. Multiple sclerosis affects about 1 million Americans, and is more common in women than men.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic autoimmune diseases that affect the digestive tract. The two main types of inflammatory bowel disease are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

These conditions cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Inflammatory bowel disease affects about 3 million Americans.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails, and joints. It occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing the skin cells to grow too quickly and form patches of thick, red, and scaly skin.

Psoriasis may also affect the nails, causing pits, ridges, or discoloration. In some cases, psoriasis may also cause joint pain and swelling. It affects about 7.5 million Americans.

Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produce tears and saliva. It occurs when the immune system attacks and damages these glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth.

Sjögren’s syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, and nervous system. It affects about 4 million Americans, and is more common in women than men.

Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. It occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism.

Graves’ disease can cause a range of symptoms, including weight loss, tremors, and anxiety. It affects about 1 in 200 people, and is more common in women than men.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. It occurs when the immune system attacks and damages the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold. It is more common in women than men, and affects about 14 million Americans.