Autoimmune Diseases

A healthy immune system defends the body against infectious agents and disease.^1,4In people with autoimmune disease, the immune system cannot distinguish ‘self from non-self’ and as a result attacks its own healthy cells, tissue and organs.^2,3,4,7,9

There are more than a 100 AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES recognised globally !^1,2,7,9

The exact cause of autoimmune disease is not known but there are certain known factors that contribute to the development of some common disorders. Genetic characteristics (race, gender, ethnicity), environmental factors, certain viruses or bacteria can in some ways be linked to the development of an autoimmune disease as well as overuse of antibiotics.^1,2,4,5,7

Gender
Did you know that autoimmune disease affects women more than men? More than 75 % of people affected by autoimmune disease are female.^3,9
Genetics
There is a strong link between genetics and autoimmune disease. If an autoimmune disease occurs in the family history, then it predisposes an individual in future generations to developing one.^3,9
Race
Race also plays a role in the prevalence of autoimmune disease. Lupus and systemic sclerosis are more common in African Americans compared to Europeans, also experiencing disease earlier in life and to a more severe extent. However, the same populations also have a lower risk for type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and thyroiditis.⁹

There are currently no genetic tools to predict the risk of developing an autoimmune disease

The diagnosis of autoimmune disorders presents a challenge to both doctors and patients. Early signs and symptoms can be non-specific, adding to the possibility of a variety of illnesses.⁶ Symptoms may also be intermittent, and present in different ways in different individuals. This leads to a complicated diagnostic process that can place a stressful and a psychological burden on patients.^5,6,7,9
A thorough family disease history is needed followed by a proper physical examination.⁶ If an autoimmune disease is suspected, further diagnostic blood tests will be performed.^4,6,7
Imaging tests, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (detailed images of organs, tissue and bones)  and ultrasound (creates pictures of internal structures), may also be conducted to rule out any infections, fractures or tumours that may cause similar symptoms to those of autoimmune disease.⁶

In general, autoimmunity affects 5 – 9 % of the population. Collectively, autoimmune diseases are considered common with an increasing incidence, the reason for which is unclear.^1,4,9

Body cells use glucose to produce energy for normal bodily functions. The body’s reaction to sugar (glucose) we ingest through food, is to produce insulin, a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas.¹⁰
In patients suffering from Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy these pancreatic beta cells – the result being that they are unable to produce any insulin.¹⁰ Before diagnosis, these patients usually suffer from excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, high blood glucose levels and delayed growth in infants.¹⁰
Type 1 diabetes can be managed by insulin injections diet, exercise and close monitoring of blood glucose levels. Frequent screenings for diabetic complications (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, visual loss and neuropathy) must be carried out.¹⁰

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. This disease mostly affects the same joints on both sides of the body (for example the hands, wrists, knees, jaw and feet). Immune cells attack the body’s joint tissue, resulting in swelling, inflammation, joint stiffness and pain.¹⁴
Symptoms and risk factors
Patients with undiagnosed RA may experience occasional low-grade fever, a loss of appetite and feel unusually tired. Joint stiffness (for more than 30 minutes) and joint pain (during movement and rest) are also an indication of RA.¹⁴ Symptom flare-ups may be caused by stress, excessive physical activity and the sudden withdrawal of certain medications.¹⁴
People that are at risk include:¹⁴

• The elderly
• Female gender
• Family history
• Obesity
• Tobacco smoke
• Gum disease

 Treatment is focussed on reducing pain, inflammation and swelling and improving quality of life by ultimately preventing joint damage.¹⁴ Management of RA also focuses on stress and mental health management, daily monitoring of symptoms, healthy diet, joint care and appropriate rest and exercise routines.¹⁴