Type 1 Diabetes With Other Autoimmune Diseases

Editor’s Note: This content has been verified by Marina Basina, MD, a clinical associate professor at Stanford University. She’s a clinical endocrinologist and researcher with a focus on diabetes management and diabetes technology. Dr. Basina is an active member of multiple medical advisory boards and community diabetes organizations, and she is on the Beyond Type 1 Science Advisory Council. 

People with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, are more likely to have a co-occurring autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disease means that your immune system sees your body’s own tissue as foreign invaders and attacks itself. For example, if you have type 1, your body mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing (beta) cells in your body. The reason that co-occurring autoimmune disorders are so common isn’t exactly known, although we do know that genetics play a significant role.

Because we know that having type 1 puts you at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, it’s important to be aware of what the signs and symptoms are. The following are warning signs that are common for all autoimmune diseases, including type 1:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Rashes
• Achiness
• Weight loss
• Concentration issues
• Numbness/tingling in extremities
• Insomnia
• Abnormal heart rate
• Fertility problems
• Abdominal pain

These symptoms are non-specific and don’t necessarily indicate another autoimmune disease. However, you should see your doctor if you are exhibiting them.

Although the exact reason is unknown, there are a few autoimmune diseases that tend to co-occur with type 1 diabetes that are listed below.