Why Are Autoimmune Diseases on the Rise? Your DNA May Hold the Answer
Across continents, more people are developing autoimmune diseases than at any other point in recorded medical history. Advances in diagnostics have revealed a larger portion of the problem, but the data shows a true upward curve in incidence.
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and lupus all have one thing in common: the immune system attacks the body it’s meant to defend. For millions of people worldwide, understanding the rise of these diseases has become both a personal concern and a public health priority.
Researchers are working to determine the genetic factors that contribute to susceptibility as health systems adapt to the growing patient population. Early detection based on genetic insights is one of the most promising approaches to buck this trend.
Surging Cases of Autoimmune Diseases Worldwide
Autoimmune diseases continue to climb in prevalence, affecting growing numbers across populations. These trends span conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
- Global incidence rises yearly by 19.1%, with rheumatological conditions like Sjögren’s and lupus increasing 7.1% annually
- In the United States, 15 million people live with at least one such condition
- Women bear the brunt, comprising nearly 80% of cases
- Worldwide, autoimmune diseases impact 5% to 10% of industrialized populations. Annual increases range from 3% to 12%, signaling a pressing health challenge
- Rising diagnostics markets reflect the growth, with North America’s sector expanding from 1.96 billion USD in 2024 to a projected 3.5 billion USD by 2033
Regional variations of autoimmune diseases
- Discrepancies appear across regions, with higher burdens in developed areas
- Estimates for the US loom around 7% to 8%, totaling about 24 million Americans
- Pregnancy sees raised rates, as conditions influence reproductive health Monitoring global patterns reveals socioeconomic influences on access to care
Are Autoimmune Diseases Affected By Genetic Blueprints?
DNA determines susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, with inherited variants heightening risks. Identical twins exhibit concordance rates of 25% to 50%, versus 2% to 8% in fraternal twins. Polygenic traits dominate, where multiple genes contribute small effects. The HLA region associates prominently:
- DQ8 elevates type 1 diabetes risk with an odds ratio of around 7
- DR3 links to Sjögren’s syndrome at an odds ratio of 9
- DR2 to ulcerative colitis at an odds ratio of 4
Shared Pathways: DNA and Autoimmune Diseases
Rising autoimmune disease rates cannot be explained by genetics alone. Patterns in modern living, infectious agents, and physiological stress factors appear to interact with inherited traits in ways that amplify susceptibility.
Viral infections, including Epstein–Barr and more recently SARS-CoV-2, have been linked to heightened immune reactivity in those carrying high-risk genes. Some industrial and household chemicals, such as mercury or pesticides, have been associated with immune disruption in susceptible groups. Food components like gluten in celiac disease are well-documented triggers, while diets low in nutrient diversity may also shift immune balance.
Long-term stress alters hormone production, particularly cortisol, which influences immune regulation. Hormonal changes in pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can further intensify autoimmune activity. It is one reason why women account for nearly 80% of all cases.
Disruption of gut bacterial diversity through prolonged antibiotic use or highly processed diets is also being studied for its role in immune signaling.
Key drivers identified in research
- Viral agents can initiate immune mimicry that leads to lasting autoimmunity
- Dietary antigens can bypass gut barriers and activate immune cells
- Stress hormones shift immune cell function and reduce natural regulation
- Reduced gut microbe diversity may impair immune training early in life.
Genetic Testing: Why Is It The Need Of The Hour?
Genetic testing illuminates risks, analyzing variants in panels or full genomes. The Autoinflammatory and Autoimmunity Syndromes Panel covers 156 genes, with over 99% sensitivity and specificity for key variants.
Whole exome sequencing scans 20,000+ coding regions, identifying monogenic causes. Results guide interventions, confirming diagnoses in ambiguous cases. Prenatal options, like chorionic villus sampling, offer full reliability for known mutations. Reanalysis updates findings as research evolves.
Practical approaches
- HLA alleles are the focus of targeted tests
- Polygenic contributions are detected by panels
- Rare mutations are revealed by sequencing
- Counseling clarifies the consequences
- Reanalysis takes new information into account
- Planning is informed by prenatal techniques
- Carriers are found through family testing
- Environmental histories are incorporated into counseling
Prevention of Genetic Risks of Autoimmune Diseases
Genetic risk can be managed by reducing specific exposures. Cleaner surroundings limit exposure to dangerous toxins, and vaccinations lessen the chance of viral triggers. By fostering good bacteria, a balanced diet promotes gut health and can help control immunological responses.
Frequent screenings provide the chance to identify early changes and modify treatment before the illness worsens. The body maintains resilience when this is combined with everyday routines like consistent exercise and stress reduction.
Genetic testing adds another layer by pointing to targeted prevention steps, such as avoiding gluten for people with celiac-related variants.
Scientists are now learning how specific genes react to external stimuli.
- Gene therapies to correct single-gene defects
- Immunomodulators to calm an overactive immune system
- Biomarkers to detect disease in its earliest stages
- Microbiome-based therapies to restore healthy gut function
These developments are complemented by larger collaborative efforts, such as:
- New public health policies are being informed by studies on the effects of climate change
- Antiviral techniques are being tested in clinical trials to lessen known triggers
- Association studies are mapping genetic loci tied to autoimmune risk
- Gene editing is exploring ways to correct harmful mutations
- Risk scores are being refined to predict susceptibility
- Improved biomarkers are helping identify early immune system changes.
Using DNA Testing to Fight Autoimmune Diseases
Spot family patterns early and follow up with targeted genetic testing to uncover inherited risks. Track symptoms, when they appear, and any possible triggers so your doctor gets the full picture. With that information, your care team can create a proactive plan that uses genetic results to guide each step forward.
For a simple starting point, the Lifecode genetic test kit offers at-home collection and in-depth autoimmune predisposition analysis. You also get a one-on-one session with a Lifecode counselor to help understand lifestyle adjustments, preventive measures, and informed vigilance.
Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.