Description

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing gout through various physiological mechanisms. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, can impair the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid efficiently, leading to hyperuricemia. Additionally, diabetes often coexists with other conditions that increase gout risk, such as obesity and hypertension. The metabolic syndrome, which includes diabetes as a component, is strongly associated with elevated uric acid levels. Chronic kidney disease, a common complication of diabetes, can further reduce uric acid excretion. Conversely, elevated uric acid levels may also contribute to the development of diabetes, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. A meta-analysis published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that individuals with diabetes had a significantly higher risk of developing gout compared to those without diabetes [1]. Another study in Diabetes Care demonstrated that higher uric acid levels were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women [2]. Managing diabetes through proper diet, exercise, and medication may help reduce the risk of gout in diabetic individuals.