High uric acid, more risk to diabetes

People with uric acid (gout) should ensure that uric acid levels were in
normal range. While not experiencing the painful symptoms of rheumatic
disorders despite high levels of uric acid could be at risk of
developing diabetes.

"Many people who have uric acid levels are not controlled and has been
used to not worry about it. Especially if it does not cause symptoms,"
says Eric Matteson, MD, MPH, chief of Rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic,
Rochester, Minn., as reported by WebMD, Monday ( 11/14/2011).

But the new study results show that high levels of uric acid in the
blood associated with increased risk of diabetes almost 20 percent and
increased risk of conditions that lead to the progression of kidney
disease more than 40 percent.

Uric acid is a chemical that can form in the blood and can increase to
levels higher than normal and cause gout. Whereas
Gout is a medical condition that is usually characterized by recurrent
attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis symptoms, including redness,
pain, hot joints, and swollen.

Metatarsal phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is the most
commonly affected by gout, which is at about 50 percent of cases.
However, it can also appear in the form of tophi, kidney stones, or
urate nephropathy. This is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the
blood that has been crystallized and stored in the joints, tendons and
surrounding tissues.

The researchers reviewed the records of about 2,000 people with gout in
a Veterans Administration database. At the beginning of the study all of
the study participants without diabetes or kidney disease.

Eswar Krishnan, MD, assistant professor of Rheumatology at Stanford
University, has presented his research results at the annual meeting of
the American College of Rheumatology.

Over a period of three years, 9 percent of men with gout have uric acid
levels are not controlled in a state that leads to the development of
diabetes. Compared with 6 percent of those with uric acid levels are
controlled.

After taking into account other risk factors for diabetes, was found
associated with diabetes risk 19 percent higher in those with uric acid
levels are not controlled. Uric acid levels in the blood that are higher
than the number 7 is considered uncontrolled.

The second study conducted by the same researchers using the same
database. The results of these studies indicate that, over 3 years with
periods of gout in men who had higher levels of uric acid that is not
controlled had 40 percent higher risk for kidney disease compared with
men with uric acid levels under control.

The study does not prove that, uric acid levels are not controlled cause
health problems but showed elevated levels of relationships with health
problems.

"Gout is a disease that is not handled. Now we find that high uric acid
levels, is associated with higher risk for heart disease, metabolic
syndrome, diabetes, and even death from cardiovascular disease," said
Matteson.

"Because of this, it will be advisable to perform a variety of efforts
to control uric acid levels, among others, through diet or drugs. It is
most important, maintaining a healthy weight. Because obesity is a major
risk factor for all these conditions, "said Matteson.