APS II, Autoimmune Disease Involving Thyroid & Diabetes

Autoimmune disease is a complication that significantly alters the quality of life for the person who suffers from the complication. For many individuals, the development of an autoimmune disease occurs later in life, often leading to the development of co morbid health complications.

While considered a rare autoimmune disease, there are some adults who suffer from multi-complex condition known as Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, type II (APS II). With the development of APS II, the complications not only reduce the quality of life but also shorten lifespan.

When suffering from APS II, the adult who suffers will usually experience complications involving the development of an autoimmune disease known as Addison's disease coupled with either diabetes mellitus or an autoimmune based thyroid complication. In many cases, women are stricken with APS II more often than men, with adrenal complications usually the first indication the complication exists.

For individuals who suffer from APS II, the diagnosis is often delayed as it is commonly misdiagnosed as a condition such as fibromyalgia. Because the symptoms of APS II results in extreme fatigue, leaving the individuals who suffers in a bed ridden state, many healthcare professionals initially attempt to treat the complication as a case of fibromyalgia or psychological complication.

If you have been diagnosed with APS II, the goal of your healthcare professional will be to improve your symptoms and to delay the development of life threatening complications that may shorten your life span. Treatment will usually begin with hormone therapy that involves thyroid hormone, while working to improve blood pressure complications and regularly monitoring electrolyte imbalance. With thyroid disorder, electrolyte imbalance and the risk for uncontrolled high blood pressure associated with APS II, these three physiological issues are vital to your health.