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Navigating a Diagnosis of Prediabetes

1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, a health condition defined by higher than normal blood sugar levels and which often precedes type 2 diabetes. While it can be overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of prediabetes, the condition is both treatable and reversible. Simple lifestyle changes, sometimes combined with medication, can prevent prediabetes from progressing into type 2 diabetes.

Here’s an overview of common next steps after a prediabetes diagnosis. This is intended to provide general information about managing prediabetes. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Prediabetes is primarily defined by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but still below the official range for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Two tests may be used to diagnose prediabetes:

The fasting blood sugar test, which measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level between 100-125 mg/dL indicates a prediabetes diagnosis.

The A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. An A1C level of 5.7%-6.4% indicates a prediabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes does not have visible symptoms. More than 84% of all those living with the condition don’t know that they have it. It’s important to be proactive about testing if you are at risk. Speak with your doctor if you are:

Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander — for reasons not yet understood, researchers have found higher rates of type 2 diabetes in these racial and ethnic groups

Nutrition plays a significant role in the management of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Prioritizing certain foods and avoiding or reducing your intake of others can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Here are general dietary considerations for people with prediabetes. It’s important to work closely with a doctor or dietitian before starting a new diet plan.

Fiber is a carbohydrate found in plant-based foods, and which the body can’t digest. Since it isn’t digested, it does not increase glucose levels. It is commonly found in:

Fruits including apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries

Non-starchy vegetables including beets, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots

Nuts and seeds including almonds, chestnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pistachios

Whole grains - check nutrition labels for the words “whole” or “whole grains”

Legumes including black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and peas

Limit your intake of sweetened, sugary beverages

Without any fat or protein to balance carbohydrates, sweetened beverages are associated with a greater risk for type 2 diabetes. Limit your intake of soda, sweetened tea, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages.

Speak with your doctor about your recommended carbohydrate intake

Certain carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels more than others, specifically refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and some potatoes. (Soda and some types of juice also fall under this category.) They digest quickly and should be consumed in small amounts by those with prediabetes and diabetes.

At the same time, it’s a misconception that you should avoid all carbohydrates if you have prediabetes. Low-carb diets may not be appropriate for some individuals with other health conditions such as high cholesterol or heart disease. Speak with your doctor for individualized recommendations.

There are several reasons why physical activity is important for individuals with prediabetes:

It increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin.

It can help you maintain a healthy weight.

The American Heart Association recommends about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or 20-25 minutes each day. Activities that fall under that category include brisk walking, swimming, or biking.

To build a fitness routine that sticks, start off slower and build your way up to a more intense workout, and be sure to find activities that you enjoy.

Smoking is a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It increases inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which have been associated with diabetes. Heavier, more frequent smoking is linked to a greater risk for diabetes.

If you are finding it challenging to quit, ask your doctor for resources that may help. Nicotine replacement therapy can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend supplementing the above lifestyle changes with medication to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

Metformin is one of the most common oral medications used to treat prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. It regulates your blood sugar levels by reducing how much glucose is produced during digestion.

To experience the full benefits of metformin, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while taking the medication.

Read What to Know About Metformin for additional information.

Some individuals with prediabetes may be prescribed weight loss medications for short-term use, as maintaining a healthy weight is part of managing prediabetes. Many of these medications are associated with health risks like high blood pressure and may not be appropriate for some individuals.

Keep in mind that your treatment needs may change over time. If you are prescribed medication for prediabetes, you won’t necessarily have to take it indefinitely. For instance, if lifestyle changes and metformin are effective at restoring healthy blood sugar levels, your doctor may have you taper off of the medication.

Managing prediabetes is easier with the right pharmacy partner by your side. The Alto app simplifies medication management and our dedicated diabetes support team is here to make sure you have everything you need.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by a hormone imbalance. It can impact many areas of a woman’s health, including menstrual cycles, fertility, insulin levels, and risk of cardiovascular disease.

How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affects Fertility

Symptoms of PCOS can be treated through a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Polycystic ovary syndrome has three defining symptoms: high levels of male hormones, irregular menstrual cycles, and the development of cysts in the ovaries. These features overlap.

Many women with PCOS have higher levels of androgen hormones, which are responsible for the development of certain male characteristics. For those with PCOS, overproduction of androgens leads to irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss, extra growth of hair on the face and body, and acne.

The cysts that develop in the ovaries are small follicles containing an immature egg. Since these eggs do not reach maturity, ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovaries — does not occur. The absence of ovulation leads to further imbalance of hormones, as progesterone decreases.

PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome can develop at any age after puberty. It is estimated that 5-10% of women between the ages of 15-44 have the condition.

The specific causes of PCOS have not been identified, but the medical community believes that condition is the result of several intersecting factors: insulin resistance, higher levels of androgens, higher levels of inflammation, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

Some evidence suggests that PCOS may have a genetic component. You may have a higher risk of developing PCOS if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with the condition. Obesity is also a risk factor.

Common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

Irregular, absent, or abnormally short (i.e., less than 21 days) menstrual periods

Excess hair on the face, chin, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs, also referred to as hirsutism

Weight gain or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

Patches of darkened skin, particularly on the neck, in the groin, and beneath the breasts

Small flaps of excess skin near the neck or armpits, sometimes referred to as skin tags

Infertility, defined as the inability to get pregnant after twelve months or more of unprotected sex

The hormone imbalances that characterize PCOS can affect many areas of a woman’s health, including the following.

Infertility is a common symptom of PCOS, as hormone levels interfere with ovulation, an important step in reproduction. However, PCOS is a highly treatable cause of infertility. Many individuals and couples affected by PCOS do become pregnant after fertility treatment.

During pregnancy, women with PCOS may face a greater risk for miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. They are also more likely to deliver prematurely. If you have PCOS, you can set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy by maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar levels before trying to conceive and during pregnancy.

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced in the pancreas. It helps convert sugar, or glucose, into energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise due to issues with the body’s production or use of insulin. Since insulin resistance is often a symptom of PCOS, many individuals with the condition have a greater risk for type 2 diabetes.

Individuals with PCOS are also more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions associated with a higher risk for diabetes and heart disease, including:

Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels

Endometrial hyperplasia, a condition in which the lining of the uterus becomes too thick, is also associated with PCOS. It can increase a woman’s risk for endometrial cancer.

The process for diagnosing PCOS includes a conversation about your health history, a physical exam, and several tests that can rule out other causes of PCOS symptoms.

During the physical exam, a healthcare provider typically measures blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist size. They will also check your skin for extra hair, acne, or discoloration.

Your doctor will likely conduct a pelvic exam to check for signs of high androgen levels and abnormalities with your ovaries. Then, a pelvic ultrasound, or sonogram, will check the ovaries for cysts and scan the uterine lining.

Blood tests may be used to measure levels of androgens as well as hormones linked to other health conditions with similar symptoms as PCOS. You may also be tested for high cholesterol and diabetes.

If other health conditions have been ruled out, you must have at least two of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS:

Irregular, absent, or abnormally short menstrual periods

Signs of high androgen levels such as hirsutism, acne, or thinning of hair on the scalp

PCOS and related medical conditions can be managed through a variety of treatments including medications and lifestyle changes. Treatment is tailored to an individual’s health history, PCOS symptoms, and reproductive goals. Here’s how different treatment options target various symptoms of PCOS.

Hormonal birth control, which may contain both estrogen and progestin, is often used to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. It can also reduce hirsutism and acne and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Many women who do not have plans to get pregnant use hormonal birth control as a long-term treatment for PCOS.

Metformin, an oral medication most commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, is sometimes used off-label to treat PCOS. It improves the body’s response to insulin and can lower blood sugar and androgen levels. In some cases, it may be effective at restoring ovulation, though it typically does not treat hirsutism or acne.

Anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone (CaroSpir® and Aldactone®) block the effects of androgens and treat hirsutism. They are often used in combination with birth control and should not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate menstrual cycles. It may also improve insulin levels and treat excess hair growth and acne. Additionally, following a heart-healthy diet and staying physically active is especially important for those with PCOS.

In many cases, metformin or lifestyle changes can help address ovulation issues associated with PCOS. There are additional treatments that restore ovulation in women with PCOS, including oral medications used to treat infertility such as Clomid® and Femara® and injectable fertility medications including gonadotropins.

A procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a fertility treatment typically reserved for cases when medication is not effective.

PCOS treatment looks different for each individual, and our team has the expertise to support your personal health journey. Whether you are getting started with hormonal birth control, metformin, or fertility treatment, we’re here to simplify medication management and keep you supported.

We offer free, same-day delivery seven days a week, with temperature controlled packaging that ensures fertility medications always arrive in the right condition. And we’ll work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes does not prevent a healthy pregnancy. Thanks to insulin therapy and effective blood sugar management options, many women with diabetes successfully navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. While there are some pregnancy risks and challenges tied to type 1 diabetes specifically, careful planning and proactive diabetes management throughout pregnancy can keep you and your baby healthy.

Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Here’s an overview of what pregnancy with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may look like — from fertility to childbirth and beyond — to help you explore your family building options.

Many people with diabetes wonder how the condition will impact their fertility. Having diabetes does not mean you will have more difficulty conceiving. Consistently high blood sugar levels are the main way that diabetes can make it challenging to get pregnant. 

Some research has found that women with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles or delayed ovulation — factors that affect your fertility — but these health issues are also linked to elevated blood sugar. 

High blood sugar can be managed, and informing your doctor of your plans to build or expand your family early on can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels before you start trying to conceive.

While every pregnancy carries the possibility of complications, type 1 diabetes is linked to the following.

Preeclampsia — Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that can result in liver or kidney damage. Women with type 1 diabetes may face a greater risk for this complication since they often have higher baseline blood pressure before pregnancy.

Insulin resistance — Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your body less effective at using insulin, resulting in decreased glucose produced from the liver. (This can lead to the development of gestational diabetes in women without preexisting diabetes during pregnancy.) As the placenta grows, insulin resistance increases. This can affect your blood sugar levels.

Miscarriage — Women with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk for miscarriage — the loss of a baby before 20 weeks — or stillbirth — the loss of a baby after 20 weeks. Birth defects caused by high blood sugar may be a contributing factor.

Macrosomia — Macrosomia refers to a newborn with a higher-than-average birth weight, which can make childbirth more difficult for a mother.

Birth defects affecting your baby’s heart, brain, spine, kidneys, digestive system, limbs, and mouth

In addition, without effective diabetes management, pregnancy can intensify preexisting diabetes-related complications.

These risks are manageable, however, it’s important to prepare for pregnancy in advance of trying to conceive and to stay vigilant about diabetes management throughout this journey. Preconception planning allows you to work toward health goals and ensure that you have an appropriate care team and medication protocol in place.

When planning a pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to review your blood sugar levels, make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and evaluate potential diabetes-related health complications. If you become pregnant unexpectedly, contact your provider as soon as you learn of your pregnancy to discuss blood sugar monitoring, medication changes, and other factors that can lower your risk of pregnancy complications.

Here are some action items to focus on in the months leading up to conception. This is intended to be a high-level guide. Consult your care team for a more individualized plan.

Your A1C levels are your average blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months. Your blood sugar levels can impact the development of your baby’s organs during the first 8-12 weeks of your pregnancy, so it’s even more important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before pregnancy. As you plan for pregnancy, ask your doctor to clarify your A1C goals and how long to maintain them before you try to conceive.

Review your treatment plan and make necessary medication adjustments

Not all medications and supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. Speak with your care team about each medication and supplement you take before trying to conceive. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

Since there are considerations specific to type 1 diabetes during pregnancy, you may want to look for a healthcare professional who works at the intersection of diabetes treatment and maternal health.

Consider working with an endocrinologist — a physician who treats hormone-related conditions such as diabetes — who focuses on treating pregnant women with diabetes. Alternatively, some OB/GYNs have specialized training in managing diabetes during pregnancy.

You may also benefit from working with a diabetes educator, a healthcare professional certified to coach individuals living with diabetes. They can offer individualized guidance about navigating pregnancy with the condition.

Vigilant monitoring of your insulin needs and blood sugar levels is the most important thing you can do to have a healthy and safe pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, pay attention to changes in how much insulin you need. Many women with diabetes experience lower blood sugar during pregnancy. Continue to revisit your treatment plan with your care team and confirm the recommended dosage and frequency of insulin. 

There are diabetes supplies that can make it easier to check your blood sugar more frequently. Many pregnant women with diabetes use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an electronic device that collects glucose readings every five minutes throughout the day. Talk to your doctor to learn if a CGM is an appropriate option for you.

Most individuals with diabetes require more insulin throughout pregnancy since insulin resistance typically increases as your pregnancy progresses. You may find it helpful to use an insulin delivery method that eliminates the need for multiple daily injections such as an insulin pump. Additionally, an insulin pen allows for faster administration of insulin injections throughout the day.

Having a birth plan in place can help you prepare for any scenario during labor and delivery. Here is some diabetes-related information to include.

Who will monitor your blood sugar levels during and after labor and delivery?

What diabetes supplies do you need to pack in your bag, if delivering at a hospital or medical facility?

What is the procedure for women who use an insulin pump at your chosen hospital or medical facility? (if applicable)

What is the procedure for women who use a CGM at your chosen hospital or medical facility? (if applicable)

Blood sugar levels can fluctuate during labor and delivery. They often rise during labor but drop just before or immediately after delivery. Your care team can help you prepare for these possibilities. If using an insulin pump or CGM, speak with your doctor about protocol for continuing to wear these devices during delivery.

Many women assume that they will struggle with breastfeeding due to their diabetes. However, you can breastfeed while living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The condition may delay breast milk production but this should improve with time.

Keep in mind that breastfeeding takes up energy, which can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin needs. Some research has found that lactation can increase the risk of overnight hypoglycemia, or severely low blood sugar. Make sure that someone around you understands the signs of hypoglycemia and how to address it.

Above all, remember that you aren’t alone in navigating the challenges of type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. In addition to your care team and loved ones, the following organizations can help you connect with other women who understand this experience.

Beyond Type 1 and Beyond Type 2 are global online communities for individuals living with diabetes.

JDRF is a destination for type 1 diabetes support and community, with opportunities to connect locally with those affected by type 1 diabetes.

A diabetes pharmacy partner you can rely on

At Alto, we make it as easy as possible to manage diabetes throughout your family building journey. We offer free, same-day delivery of medications and supplies right to your doorstep, and our dedicated diabetes team is here to answer any questions you may have.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

Cardiomyopathy refers to a variety of diseases of the heart muscle that affect the heart’s ability to carry out its pumping function. It is a progressive condition that can lead to other heart health issues including heart failure, but it can be managed through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, and other types of treatment. Here’s what to know about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the main types of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

Cardiomyopathy can be either acquired or inherited. While not all cases of cardiomyopathy have known causes, the following health factors or conditions have been linked to certain forms of cardiomyopathy.

A family health history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest

Coronary artery disease or a history of a heart attack

Endocrine diseases including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and thyroid disorders

Diseases that weaken muscle tissue such as muscular dystrophy 

Cardiomyopathy symptoms vary by individual, and by the specific type of cardiomyopathy. The following signs often become more apparent as the condition progresses.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, even while at rest

An irregular heartbeat, heart murmur, or heart palpitations

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or briefly passing out

The most common type of cardiomyopathy and a leading cause for heart transplants, dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the left ventricle — one of the heart’s main pumping chambers — becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood to other organs as effectively as a healthy heart. It can affect individuals of all ages but is most common during middle age. Men are more likely than women to develop dilated cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery disease and heart attacks are common causes, but the condition may also stem from genetics. Those with dilated cardiomyopathy may face a greater risk for heart failure in the long term.

One of the most common forms of genetic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, often in the left ventricle. It affects individuals of all ages but often develops during childhood or early adulthood. There is a strong genetic component to this condition, and most affected individuals have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If you have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you may want to consult with your physician about genetic testing options. Some individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat.

The least common of the three main types of cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle stiffens and cannot fill with enough blood between heartbeats. It is most common in older age groups and often occurs as the result of another heart-related health condition such as amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, scleroderma, or sarcoidosis. Restrictive cardiomyopathy itself is not believed to be inherited, but many of the related conditions mentioned above have a genetic component.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia occurs when muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat or scar tissue, potentially leading to heart rhythm issues. It is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that often develops as the result of a genetic mutation and most commonly affects teens and young adults.

Cardiomyopathy treatment varies by individual. Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications, medical devices, or surgical procedures to control your cardiomyopathy symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.

Medications may be used to improve blood flow and the heart’s pumping function, lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and/or prevent blood clots. The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics

Heart rate controlling medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin (Digox®, Lanoxin®, and Digitek®)

Blood thinners and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®) and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs)

Antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone (Pacerone®) and dronedarone (Multaq®)

If you are experiencing an arrhythmia as the result of cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend a device such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help control your heartbeat. Other devices including a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be used to improve the heart’s pumping function and control blood flow.

Some individuals with cardiomyopathy need a non-surgical procedure to treat their condition or a related arrhythmia. Common procedures include a septal ablation, in which a portion of the thickened heart muscle is destroyed to allow for more blood flow, and a radiofrequency ablation, which targets a portion of abnormal heart tissue to address an abnormal heart rhythm. In more severe cases, open-heart surgery or a heart transplant may be required.

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is another aspect of managing cardiomyopathy, as lifestyle choices can affect the progression of the condition and the severity of symptoms. If you have cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking (if applicable), limit your alcohol intake, plan a heart-healthy diet, and exercise more frequently. While inherited forms of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, these healthy habits can lower your risk for related health complications and help you experience an active life.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage your risk for heart health issues and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

A healthy immune system offers protection against the bacteria and viruses that cause illness, deploying antibodies that attack these invaders. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate between outside germs and healthy cells and mistakenly attacks various tissues and organs throughout the body.

What is an autoimmune disease?

A healthy immune system offers protection against the bacteria and viruses that cause illness, deploying antibodies that attack these invaders. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system cannot differentiate between germs and the body’s own cells and mistakenly attacks various tissues and organs.

There are more than 80 of these conditions, with variation in the affected area of the body; some of the most common autoimmune disorders involve the joints and muscles, digestive tract, nervous system, and skin. There is also significant variation in day-to-day life with autoimmune disorders. Some, like type 1 diabetes, require daily management, while others may have periods of intensified symptoms known as flare-ups. In all cases, there are treatment options that can reduce discomfort and help you experience a better quality of life. Here’s what to know about the most common types of autoimmune disorders.

Causes and symptoms of autoimmune disorders

Many autoimmune disorders do not have a specific known trigger, but the following factors may play a role in the development of certain conditions.

Genetics — some autoimmune disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis run in families and likely have a genetic component.

Sex — of the 23.5 million Americans living with an autoimmune disease, 78% are women. Specific autoimmune disorders that are more common in women than men include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and multiple sclerosis, among others.

Obesity — being overweight or obese may increase an individual’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

Smoking — research suggests a connection between cigarette smoking and lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and multiple sclerosis.

Medications — some medications including blood pressure medications, statins (which are commonly used to treat high cholesterol), and antibiotics may increase a person’s risk for certain autoimmune disorders. Consult with your doctor about medication side effects if you have concerns.

While exact symptoms and treatment options vary by condition, as explained in more detail below, there is also some overlap. Fatigue, joint pain and swelling, rashes and other skin issues, digestive issues, and swollen glands are common signs of a variety of autoimmune disorders.

Most autoimmune disorders do not have one single test to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. With the majority of these conditions, the diagnosis process involves several steps including a physical exam and multiple tests.

If you have potential symptoms of an autoimmune disease, a common first step is an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. This is a blood test that checks for antinuclear antibodies, the type of antibodies that attack healthy cells. If you have a positive ANA result, your doctor will likely recommend additional tests to identify the specific autoimmune disease.

A negative ANA test does not necessarily mean that you do not have an autoimmune disease. If you have negative ANA results, your doctor may recommend additional tests for other antibodies or inflammation markers depending on your symptoms. Tests used to diagnose autoimmune disorders include:

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test — which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube — may be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation.

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test — which identifies your blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver — may be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may refer you to one of the following specialists:

A rheumatologist who treats autoimmune disorders of the joints and muscles including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

A gastroenterologist who treats autoimmune disorders of the digestive system including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.

An endocrinologist who treats autoimmune disorders of the endocrine system including Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

A dermatologist who treats skin-related autoimmune disorders including psoriasis.

Common autoimmune disorders and treatment

These are some of the most common types of autoimmune disorders affecting individuals in the U.S. Symptoms, treatment, and diagnostic tests vary by condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing pain and inflammation throughout your body. It is a progressive condition, and getting an early diagnosis and staying proactive about treatment can help prevent more severe damage to your joints.

Several medications may be used to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, including over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil®), aspirin (Bayer®) or naproxen (Aleve®); acetaminophen (Tylenol®); and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as baricitinib (Olumiant®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), and upadacitinib (Rinvoq®). In addition, avoiding or reducing your intake of sugars and refined carbohydrates and gluten can also help reduce inflammation.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), and leflunomide (Arava®) and injectable biologic DMARDs like etanercept (Enbrel®), infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab (Humira®), and certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®) are often prescribed to slow tissue damage.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the body mistakenly attacks the pancreas with antibodies. This destroys the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells, so individuals with type 1 diabetes cannot produce any insulin and rely on daily insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar.

For more information on managing type 1 diabetes, read our previous blogs:

What’s the Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

How to Live with Type 1 Diabetes at Any Age

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that occurs when inflammation caused by an immune response causes new skin cells to grow too quickly. It is characterized by thick patches of skin covered with white or silver scales, also referred to as plaques. There is a genetic component, and psoriasis often runs in families. 

Many individuals with psoriasis experience periodic flare-ups. While not all psoriasis flare-ups can be attributed to a specific cause, skin injury, stress, and cold weather are common triggers.

There are a variety of treatments for psoriasis, including steroid creams; anthralin (Drithocreme HP® and Zithranol®), an anti-inflammatory medication; moisturizers; UV light therapy; vitamin D3 ointment; and vitamin A creams.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus, affects many different parts of the body including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and heart. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, severe fatigue, and rashes. Without effective treatment, lupus can lead to other health complications over time, including blood clots and inflammation of the heart or kidneys, and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Getting diagnosed early and starting treatment as soon as possible is critical to managing lupus.

Lupus treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms and which part of the body is affected. Other-the-counter NSAIDs and oral corticosteroids including prednisone (Deltasone®, Prednicot®) may be used to treat joint pain and stiffness. Antimalarial medications including hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent flare-ups, and treat rashes.

Inflammatory bowel disease refers to several autoimmune diseases that affect the digestive tract including Crohn’s disease, which involves any part of the small or large intestine, and ulcerative colitis, which involves the colon, rectum, or both organs.

Common symptoms of both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloody stools, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Many individuals with these conditions experience periods of time without symptoms, also known as remission. Treatment options include the following:

Antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory medications such as oral 5-aminosalicylates and corticosteroids

Immunomodulators, a group of medications that act on the immune system to reduce the inflammation that causes Crohn’s

Biologics, a group of medications that are derived from antibodies and used to prevent inflammation in more severe cases, such as adalimumab (Humira®), golimumab (Simponi®), infliximab (Remicade®), tofacitinib (Xeljanz®), ustekinumab (Stelara®), and vedolizumab (Entyvio®)

Other common autoimmune diseases include:

Multiple sclerosis, which affects the nervous system

Addison’s disease, which affects the adrenal glands

Graves’ disease, which affects the thyroid gland in the neck

Celiac disease, which affects the digestive tract

Blog

Navigating a Diagnosis of Prediabetes

How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affects Fertility

Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

What is an autoimmune disease?

Managing the Costs of Insulin

Congenital Heart Disease, Explained

Managing Type 2 Diabetes at Any Age

What to Know About Heart Failure

What to Know About Metformin

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