Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are often chronic, requiring lifelong care and monitoring, even when the person may look or feel well. Currently, few autoimmune diseases can be cured or disappear with treatment. However, many people with these diseases live relatively normal and healthy lives when they receive the proper medical care.

Physicians often help patients manage the consequences of the disease. For example, people suffering from Type 1 diabetes will be prescribed insulin to control blood sugar levels. In some diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, medication can occasionally slow or stop the immune system’s destruction of the kidneys or joints. These medications are called immunosuppressive medications and sometimes can have serious side effects. Ultimately, medical science is striving to design therapies that prevent and cure autoimmune diseases.