If you have type 1 diabetes, you might wonder if your condition has any connection to other health conditions, especially other autoimmune diseases — conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy body parts by mistake. Like type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common form of lupus — is also an autoimmune condition.

Research shows that type 1 diabetes can increase your risk for several other autoimmune conditions. But is there a link between type 1 diabetes and SLE specifically? Knowing the facts is important because the way lupus symptoms develop can be very different for different people. Read on to learn more about living with both type 1 diabetes and lupus.

Can Type 1 Diabetes Increase Your Risk for Lupus?

Overall, having type 1 diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease and thyroid disorders.

Type 1 diabetes is an organ-specific condition that affects the cells in the pancreas. It leads to damage to the insulin-producing cells, causing type 1 diabetes. The autoimmune processes that occur when your immune system attacks itself can also affect other organs, increasing your risk of developing other autoimmune conditions.

SLE, on the other hand, is a systemic autoimmune disorder that results in inflammation across various organs, leading to a range of symptoms. While people often use “lupus” interchangeably with “SLE,” there are other types of lupus, including cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), which primarily affects the skin.

Both type 1 diabetes and lupus have been associated with a deficiency in vitamin D, which has led researchers to think there might be a link between the two conditions. A study published in 2023 found that having type 1 diabetes increased the risk of developing SLE, but having SLE did not appear to increase the risk of type 1 diabetes.

Lupus Symptoms To Look Out For

Lupus symptoms vary from person to person. Their onset can also happen very quickly or slowly over time, they can be mild or severe, and they can be temporary or long-lasting.

According to Mayo Clinic, common lupus signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Facial rash in a “butterfly” shape (covers your cheeks and bridge of your nose)
• Body rashes
• Hair loss, especially if patchy
• Oral ulcers
• Skin lesions, specifically those that appear or worsen in the sun (known as “photosensitivity”)
• Fingers and toes turning blue in response to cold or stress
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Dry eyes
• Headaches, confusion,memory loss, psychosis, and seizures
• Recurrent miscarriages

According to Mayo Clinic, lupus:

• Is more common in women
• Is more common among African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans
• Usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 45

If you notice any concerning symptoms, talk to your health care provider. They may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Lupus Triggers

Certain factors can trigger lupus flares. Examples of lupus triggers include:

• Life stressors
• Sun exposure
• An infection, virus, or other illness
• A traumatic injury
• Certain medications

Getting Diagnosed With Lupus

Because the symptoms of lupus vary so much from person to person, there is no specific test that will determine whether or not you have the condition. Usually, the tests your doctor uses will be part of a differential diagnosis to make sure your symptoms are really due to lupus and not another condition.

Like with type 1 diabetes antibody testing might be part of getting a diagnosis. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests look for protein markers that show your body has been overly active in fighting off infections. Your health care provider may also use blood tests, urine tests, and skin or kidney biopsies. The latter involves removing a sample of tissue to examine under a microscope.

Even though researchers don’t know what exactly causes lupus, there are certain factors that can put you at higher risk. These risk factors include:

• Having certain genetic mutations
• Reacting to hormones in your body such as estrogen
• Being exposed to pollution
• Smoking
• Having high stress levels

Treating Lupus When You Have Type 1 Diabetes

If you have lupus and type 1 diabetes, you will have to work closely with your health care providers to ensure you’re getting the best treatment for both conditions. Make sure all your health care providers know all the medications you’re taking.

There is no cure for lupus. Treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics.

You should also be aware of what treatments might interact with each other. NSAIDs, which are sometimes used to treat lupus, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose or blood sugar levels).

Another issue is medications that can cause insulin resistance. Oral corticosteroids can increase your insulin resistance, as can certain immunosuppressive medications.

Drug-Induced Lupus

Drug-induced lupus can occur when you’ve taken certain kinds of drugs over a long period of time. Symptoms usually stop when you stop taking the medication. Most commonly, the drugs that cause this are medications to treat cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, hypertension, and irregular heart rhythm.

If you’re worried that a medication you’re taking to manage your type 1 diabetes or another condition might have a connection to your lupus symptoms, talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myT1Dteam, the social network for people living with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones, more than 3,400 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with those who understand life with type 1 diabetes.

Have you been diagnosed with lupus in addition to type 1 diabetes? Share your experiences in a comment below, or post on your Activities page.