Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month and living with T1D

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, but did you know that people living with type 1 diabetes (t1d) have a second opportunity to share their experiences with the condition? It's true! March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to educate and connect with others about living with t1d and other autoimmune conditions.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition — and one-fifth of the t1d community experiences additional autoimmune disorders. Spreading this kind of awareness is exactly what Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month is all about. Here's what to know.

What is an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This type of attack can happen in any part of the body, impacting bodily function in a way that may potentially become life-threatening.

Scientists are aware of more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, affecting 24 million people in the United States. In addition to t1d, some of the most common autoimmune diseases include lupus, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid conditions, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Despite sharing the label of "autoimmune disease," each condition — whether common or rare — has its own symptoms and treatment options that set it apart from t1d. However, people living with t1d are at a higher risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions.

T1D and autoimmune conditions

Some of the most common autoimmune conditions that people living with T1D may develop include celiac disease, Addison's disease, and thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. It's important for individuals with at least one autoimmune condition to be screened on an ongoing basis for other issues that may arise.

While research has shown that autoimmune disorders can be influenced by factors such as family history, hormones, environmental exposure, and lifestyle, there are still many questions about root causes. The microbiome has also been found to play a key role in the development of autoimmune diseases, including t1d, but more research is needed.

5 ways to make living with an autoimmune condition easier

Dealing with an autoimmune condition can put stress on the body, but it can also impact every area of daily life. Here are a few ideas to help you live your best life during Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month:

1. Take a moment to reset. It can be difficult to stay on top of the detailed care regimens required to manage many autoimmune conditions. Every once in a while, it can be helpful to get back to basics and see how it feels to truly pay attention to your way of eating, physical activity, and self-care routine. You might be surprised at what you notice!
2. Connect with other people who get it. It's not easy to manage multiple autoimmune conditions, but connecting with others in the same situation can make it easier. Being able to share experiences and support each other can make a big difference in your quality of life.
3. Get a full night's sleep. The recommended seven to eight hours of rest helps to refresh the mind and allows the body to recharge and regenerate. Not getting enough sleep can affect your body's ability to function properly and can lead to the breakdown of immune self-tolerance, which can trigger autoimmune diseases.
4. Check in with your care team. Let this month be a reminder to make appointments with your team of specialists and review your treatment plans. If you're due to screen for complications or additional autoimmune concerns, this is a great time to check those off your list!
5. Share your experience with others. If you're comfortable, you can use Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate people about t1d and the other conditions you manage on a daily basis. You can help others understand the challenges of life with an autoimmune condition and might even assist someone in recognizing symptoms in themselves or a loved one.

Spread the word (or keep it to yourself)

Whether you choose to mark Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month privately or speak far and wide about your experience living with autoimmune conditions, this month is for you. Give yourself a moment of recognition for all that you do to care for yourself and go after what's important to you — not just in spite of your health challenges but perhaps even as a result of the lessons these challenges have taught you.

Curious to learn more about the connection between type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diseases like celiac disease? Explore the library of content on Health Insights for additional information and actionable advice.