What Is an Autoimmune Disease?
3. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
In type 1 diabetes mellitus, the immune system is attacking the cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin. Without sufficient insulin, the patient will not be able to regulate their blood sugar levels, thus resulting in diabetes. The patient will need to manage their condition carefully for the rest of their lives.
Another type of autoimmune disease that can affect the blood is pernicious anemia. This causes a lack of a substance known as intrinsic factor, and this means the patient is unable to absorb vitamin B12. This, in turn, means the patient’s blood vessels develop abnormally.
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