TYPE 1 DIABETES
CAUSE: exact cause is unknown but believed to be linked to exposure to viruses/environmental
factors and genetics
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: Immune system destroys beta cells which produce insulin, meaning blood
sugar levels and over time can effect major organs such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys
TREATMENTS: taking insulin and frequent blood sugar monitoring
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
CAUSE: unknown but believed to be effected by genetics, hormones and smoking
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments - immune system destroys
tissues surrounding joints
TREATMENTS: medicine, lifestyle changes, supportive treatments and surgery
LUPUS
CAUSE: genetics and environment eg sunlight, infections and medications
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: immune system attacks tissues and organs including joints, skin,
kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs
TREATMENTS: no cure - anti-inflammatory medicines ie ibuprofen, hydroxychloroquine for
fatigue and skin and joint issues and steroid tablets for kidney inflammation
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
CAUSE: genetic and environmental eg lack of sunlight, smoking, teenage obesity, viral infections
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: attacks myelin sheath in brain and spinal cord causing
permanent nerve damage
TREATMENTS: no cure - steroid injections and tablets
SCLERODERMA
CAUSE: genetics and environmental triggers, immune system issues
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: attacks connective tissue under skin and around internal organs
blood vessels, causing scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas
TREATMENTS: medication, therapy and surgery (amputations and lung transplants)
)
CAUSE: exact cause is unknown but believed to be linked to exposure to viruses/environmental
factors and genetics
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: Immune system destroys beta cells which produce insulin, meaning blood
sugar levels and over time can effect major organs such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys
TREATMENTS: taking insulin and frequent blood sugar monitoring
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
CAUSE: unknown but believed to be effected by genetics, hormones and smoking
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments - immune system destroys
tissues surrounding joints
TREATMENTS: medicine, lifestyle changes, supportive treatments and surgery
LUPUS
CAUSE: genetics and environment eg sunlight, infections and medications
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: immune system attacks tissues and organs including joints, skin,
kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs
TREATMENTS: no cure - anti-inflammatory medicines ie ibuprofen, hydroxychloroquine for
fatigue and skin and joint issues and steroid tablets for kidney inflammation
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
CAUSE: genetic and environmental eg lack of sunlight, smoking, teenage obesity, viral infections
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: attacks myelin sheath in brain and spinal cord causing
permanent nerve damage
TREATMENTS: no cure - steroid injections and tablets
SCLERODERMA
CAUSE: genetics and environmental triggers, immune system issues
PART OF BODY AFFECTED: attacks connective tissue under skin and around internal organs
blood vessels, causing scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas
TREATMENTS: medication, therapy and surgery (amputations and lung transplants)
)
