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Auto-Immune Disease

An autoimmune disease happens when the body’s immune system, which normally protects us from harmful micro-organisms, mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.

Normally, the immune system can tell the difference between harmful invaders and the body’s own cells. But in autoimmune diseases, this system gets confused.

Examples of autoimmune diseases:

  • Type 1 diabetes – the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that make insulin.

  • Multiple sclerosis – the immune system attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis – the immune system attacks joints.