Inflammation is part of the body’s defense mechanism and plays a role in the healing process.When the body detects an intruder, it launches a biological response to try to remove it.The attacker could be a foreign body, such as a thorn, an irritant, or a pathogen. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and other organisms, which cause infections.Sometimes, the body mistakenly perceives its own cells or tissues as harmful. This reaction can lead to autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes.Experts believe inflammation may contribute to a wide range of chronic diseases. Examples of these are metabolic syndrome, which includes type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.People with these conditions often have higher levels of inflammatory markers in their bodies.