Risk Factors for developing an additional autoimmune disease in patients with type 1 diabetes

This study looked at the risk factors of developing other autoimmune diseases in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study found that an older age at the time of diagnosis of T1D and female sex were risk factors for developing additional autoimmune diseases. 

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease (AID). An AID is a disease that occurs due to the body’s own immune system attacking cells within the body. In T1D the immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. This causes a lack of insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar.

Many people with T1D develop other AIDs. This association has been mostly studied in children and adolescents. However, the risk factors of developing other AID in adults with T1D is still not known.

This study included 1,212 adults with T1D. They were interviewed about their age, sex, race, age that they developed T1D and any additional AIDs.

35.1% of patients had at least one additional AID. The number of patients with additional AIDs increased with the age of patients. 19.8% of patients younger than 29 years had an additional AID, compared to 34.2% of those aged 40-49 years and 47.4% of those over 60 years. Patients who were over the age of 30 when they developed T1D were 2.13 times more likely to develop an additional AID. Also, women were found to be 2.75 times more likely to develop an additional AID compared to men. 

The most common additional AIDs were thyroid diseases (26.6%), collagen vascular diseases (6.5%), skin and hair disorders (4.5%) and pernicious anemia (4.5%; low red blood count due to lack of B12 vitamin).

The authors concluded that women, older people and those who developed T1D after 30 had a higher risk of developing additional autoimmune diseases.

There were no standard screening protocols for AID, therefore they may be under-reported.

Talk to your doctor about tests for detecting additional AIDs.