Anemia is often caused by chronic disease, defined as any disease lasting 3 or more months. Autoimmune disorders, in which the body attacks its own tissues, are a common cause of this type of anemia. Which of the following autoimmune disorders most often causes anemia?
Graves disease, in which the thyroid produces and secretes excess thyroid hormone into the blood
Rheumatoid arthritis, in which joints are inflamed and painful and may become damaged
Systemic lupus erythematosus, in which connective tissue involving joints, kidneys, skin, mucous membranes, and blood vessel walls is damaged
Type 1 diabetes mellitus, in which the body’s immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin
