Ep 87: Diabetes and Associated Autoimmune Conditions You Need to Know About
Type 1 diabetes doesn’t always travel alone — in fact, it often brings other autoimmune conditions along for the ride!
In this episode you will explore:
• T1D & Autoimmunity 101: Why having one autoimmune condition raises your risk for others
• Thyroid Disorders: The most common — hyper vs. hypo, yearly screening, easy treatment
• Celiac Disease: Why it’s up to 10x more common in T1D and often missed without symptoms
• Addison’s Disease Awareness: The “silent” cortisol deficiency you don’t want to miss
• Proactive Care Mindset: How to build autoimmune screening into your diabetes warranty plan
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
Dr. Jeremy Pettus and Dr. Steve Edelman shine a light on the most common ones that tend to show up with type 1 diabetes, why they happen in the first place, when you should be screened, and what subtle symptoms should raise a red flag.
They walk through what’s common but manageable, like thyroid issues and celiac disease — as well as what’s rare but critical not to miss, like Addison’s disease (adrenal failure), which can be dangerous if left undiagnosed but incredibly treatable once caught early.
Most importantly, Jeremy and Steve explain how simple blood tests can catch these conditions before they spiral, and how the right medication can completely change how you feel day-to-day.
Developed T1D in my 50’s after decades of being treated for hypothyroid disease. After several years of T1D I developed pernicious anemia. I now take B12 injections and have regular upper endoscopies because I am at an increased risk of gastric cancer.
From a large family. I’m the only T1D so far but other siblings have hemochromatosis, birdshot uveitis, and hypothyroidism-all autoimmune diseases.
That is an amazing history of autoimmune conditions. I’m surprised you are the only one with type 1, but in any case, it sounds like you’re doing well. Thanks for the comment.
Great information. Learning by experience these autoimmune guys travel in packs. First developed hypothyroidism. Misdiagnosed for years before finding a doctor who understood Type 1A. Random scalp concern returned skin lupus. Glad you guys are out there sharing knowledge and giving people hope and encouragement.
Thanks so much, and glad you were able to finally get the right diagnosis. Take good care.
Hello from London UK. I’m a long standing fan of TCOYD and want to thank you for all the great work you do in supporting people with diabetes. I volunteer with Diabetes UK, and live with LADA (essentially T1) and pernicious anaemia, with a family history that includes father, brother and nephews with T1 diabetes, as well as hypothyroidism. I was very interested in this podcast as my sister has dermatomyocytis, a rare autoimmune disorder. She also has a history of thyroid disease. We have Crohn’s disease in our family too. We are all receiving excellent treatment from the NHS and feel lucky to have access to good care. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your work and think TCOYD is an excellent resource.
Why thank you so much for your email and comment. What a family! Sounds like you have a great attitude about it.
I am collecting. T1D, celiacs with dermatitis herpetiformis, hypothyroid, pernicious anemia, hives and hyperpathyroid which isn’t related. Come from a family with multiple T1D and multiple generations of rheumatoid arthritis and pernicious anemia.
Wowzer! I can tell you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Hang in there!
One rare autoimmunity you didn’t mention is Pernicious Anemia. Diagnosed at 23 after exhibiting strange neurological symptoms, and many misdiagnoses. Then Hashimoto’s and T1D, now gastric endocrine tumors. The gifts that keep on giving – but I’ve made it to 75 and am grateful for good medical care. Thank you for all your excellent work.
Wowzer…75 and still going strong!
Í met Dr. Edelman in Portland, Oregon at a conference and will always remember his slide of a his treadmill and how he used it (to hang his clothes). I still laugh when I think of it. 30 years ago I was tested to see if I would ever get diabetes and it came back negative. Both my father and sister had type one diabetes and died of complications. 23 years ago I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. Luckily my diabetes has not progressed, and I am able to control it with very little insulin and diet although I have picked up an autoimmune disease; Raynaud’s. I also have dry eyes and a genetic related essential tremor. Have you noticed any research that connects those issues with diabetes? Thank you for your continued research and outreach to educate people about diabetes.
Hey, that was one of my favorite slides! Always got a good laugh! Sounds like you are doing well and thanks for the comment!
I am type 2 and have been on a pump for over 15 years. I was diagnosed in 1986, and have consumed so much Diabetic information that I could write at book (mostly about what we thought were good ideas). Now here is my need now. at 67 yo, the things that are part of being type 2 are coming up faster than before, I have symptoms of neuropathy, not new but coming into later stages – so what is coming. I have diabetic macular edema in one eye, well treated but what is coming? After 40 years these are the realities of my life and I want to learn what to prepare for and what things I can do? If one more doctor says loose weight and keep your blood sugars down… I visited a friend in hospital a few weeks ago, he had been placed on the renal floor. I was surrounded by men there to have their toes cut off and many went for dialysis. This is what I would like to learn about, how to cope with the coming changes as I know will happen in some form or another.
You two teach me so much more from your discussions than if I was to read information. Thank you for doing the work, it is not easy and you two are very much dedicated to the field.
Why thank you so much for your comment. I think about getting older and having complications all the time. I did do a video on that, but keep your eyes and ears open for a podcast on living well with diabetes as you age.