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As we know, disorders are of various types depending upon the causative factors, this article will cover the third type of disorder known as Autoimmune genetic disorders.

Autoimmune genetic disorders

1. It is the inability of the immune system to distinguish between healthy cells of the body and the foreign antigens (substances that elicit an immune response).
2. Autoimmune disorders may result in the destruction of cells/tissues, alteration in the function and/or abnormal growth of an organ.
3. It can also over activate the immune system or reduce its activity. It also decreases the ability of the immune system to fight invaders thereby making our body more susceptible to infections.
4. It can affect almost any organ like heart, digestive system, skin, eyes, joints, nerves, blood vessels, brain etc.
5. The trigger/cause of autoimmune disorders is not known. However, treatment depends upon the type of disorders and it involves the use of drugs that suppress the activity of the immune system.

Examples of autoimmune disorders:

Type – 1 Diabetes

1. Also known as insulin-dependent diabetes/ juvenile onset diabetes.
2. This occurs due to the body’s inability to produce insulin (vital hormone responsible for utilization of glucose and its conversion to energy) as a result of the autoimmune destruction of beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
3. It often begins in childhood, hence known as juvenile. However, this disease can also develop in the late 30’s and early 40’s.
4. Typical symptoms of Diabetes type – 1 are: Polydipsia (increased thirst), Polyuria (frequent urination), Polyphagia (increased hunger), unexplained and sudden loss of weight, blurring of vision, fatigue and nausea.
5. Permanent cure to Diabetes Mellitus type-1 is not known. However, the disease is controlled by insulin therapy. Diet, exercise and self-monitoring of blood glucose levels can make living with the disease easier.

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