Does anyone with T1D in this forum have other autoimmune conditions? If so, did it develop before or after T1D?
Just curious because apparently statistically 15-20% of T1 diabetics have a autoimmune thyroid disorder.
Not sure on the others really. Would be great to hear from some of you as I’m newly diagnosed
Whilst I'm not T1, I come from a family with auto-immune (AI) conditions littered throughout it.
Three years ago, when I saw an Endo about something not related to diabetes, he took a really comprehensive medical and family history, and to be honest, only myself and my brother were, at the time AI condition free. As a result, he tested me for a massive number of AI conditions - everything from thyroiditis, to coeliac disease, to lupus, to general connective disease, to rheumatoid arthritis and some really weird and not too wonderful ones.
He was astonished when my results were all either negative or inconclusive. I seem to be dodging bullets. Every time I see him (last time last month), he asks if anything AI has been diagnosed yet, and gives throwaway remarks to watch out for sneaky old LADA.
Whilst I keep these potentials in mind, I don't allow those potentials to prevent me from getting on with my life, and I certainly don't wait for it to happen.
I would say, right now, you have enough on your plate learning to adapt to a life with T1. You mentioned elsewhere you have a lot of time on your hands at the moment - lots of folks do. However, whilst it is great you have time to do a bit of research on your diagnosis, I would urge you not to become fixated on what might be, and what other unfortunate things might befall you.
Yes, many people living with AI conditions do pick up other(s) along the way, but equally so, many, many don't, just in the same way many without T1 can be diagnosed with one or more AI conditions.
I'd urge you to get on living your best life, and get your prep in place for whatever Uni will look like for you this academic year. I suspect quite a bit of it will still be virtual, which is unfortunate for sure.