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A closer look at autoimmune disease

News
Apr 09, 2025
Blog, Maxor

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system—which normally defends the body against illness—mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs. This can lead to chronic inflammation, pain, and organ dysfunction.

According to the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research at the National Institutes of Health, approximately 8% of the U.S. population is affected by autoimmune conditions. Strikingly, 80% of those impacted are women, though the reasons behind this gender disparity remain unclear.

There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases, according to the Autoimmune Association. While the exact cause is still unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to risk, including sex, family history, ethnicity, nutrition, environmental exposures, and stress. Some researchers have also proposed broader contributors such as climate change, improved hygiene, pollution, and dietary changes as possible drivers behind the rising number of diagnoses.

Recently, the Mayo Clinic released findings from a study highlighting the five most common autoimmune diseases in the U.S. Here’s a closer look at each:

  1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  2. Psoriasis
  3. Type 1 diabetes
  4. Graves’ disease
  5. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis)

1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

RA is a chronic condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It typically develops in middle age and disproportionately affects women. In the U.S., about 1.3 million adults are living with RA. Treatment options include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, conventional and biologic DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), and targeted synthetic medications.

2. Psoriasis

This immune-mediated skin disorder causes skin cells to multiply too quickly, leading to red, scaly patches that can itch, burn, or sting. Around 7.5 million U.S. adults are affected. There are five distinct types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common. Treatments range from topical therapies and phototherapy to oral and injectable medications.

3. Type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, making it impossible for the body to produce enough insulin. Roughly 2 million Americans are living with type 1 diabetes. Management involves lifelong insulin therapy—through injections or insulin pumps—and careful blood sugar monitoring.

4. Graves’ disease

This condition leads the immune system to overstimulate the thyroid, resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Graves’ disease is more common in women and affects about 1% of the U.S. population. Treatment options include beta blockers, antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.

5. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis)

Unlike Graves’, Hashimoto’s causes the thyroid to become underactive due to inflammation driven by immune system antibodies. Over time, this can impair the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones. Approximately 5 in 100 Americans are affected. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the standard treatment.

Autoimmune diseases are complex, often misunderstood, and increasingly common. Continued research, education, and awareness are essential to better understand these conditions and improve patient outcomes.

To learn more about autoimmune diseases, visit the Autoimmune Association.

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