What are the 10 Most Common Autoimmune Diseases?

6. Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when immune system antibodies attack the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use glucose, a sugar the body uses for fuel. Without insulin, glucose cannot get into cells and stays in the bloodstream. One symptom related to the lack of glucose inside cells is a lack of energy. Type 1 diabetes usually affects children and young adults, and more than 1.25 million Americans have this autoimmune disease. Although there is no quick fix, people with type 1 diabetes can inject themselves daily with insulin. Without treatment with insulin, type 1 diabetes can be fatal. Keeping blood sugar under control with insulin can help prevent damage to organs and tissues.