What is Grave's disease?

Graves' disease is an autoinmmune disease that is caused when the immune system attacks the cells of the thyroid gland, which leads to an overproduction of the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. This constant attack and destruction on the part of the immune cells causes the thyroid to increase in size, a condition that is commonly known as hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism can become a really serious issue because the excessive production of the hormones of the thyroid gland will increase the metabolic activity of all parts of the body and can, if left untreated, cause such serious conditions as blood clotting problems, type 1 diabetes, among others.