The risk of gout is higher if you have type 2 diabetes. And vice versa.
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden pain and swelling in the joints. It is usually seen first in the big toe, but it can also occur in other joints, and the pain may be more intense.
Some factors may increase the risk of developing diabetes and gout, but the many causes of these diseases can be controlled.
What factors can cause gout?
Gout usually occurs when there is a buildup of uric acid in the blood (a condition called hyperuricemia). Uric acid is a waste product that is made when the body breaks down purines, which can be found in the body’s tissues and in some foods. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys, where it is excreted through urination.
If the body produces extra uric acid, or if the kidneys are unable to remove it adequately, the amount of uric acid in the blood can increase significantly. Over time, uric acid can form crystals and become trapped in the joints or soft tissues. That’s why painful symptoms occur.
The first attack of gout can last from 1 week to 10 days. It is estimated that almost 85% of patients who have had a previous gout attack will have another one within 3 years. Gout attacks often run in families. Therefore, if a parent, brother, or sister has had a gout attack, you may also develop gout yourself.
The link between gout and diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop hyperuricemia, and people with gout and hyperuricemia may be more likely to develop diabetes. Not all people with hyperuricemia will develop gout, but the risk of developing gout increases as uric acid levels rise.
When you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin well and sugar stays in your blood instead of entering your cells, which is also called insulin resistance. Studies have shown that insulin resistance may be associated with the development of gout, and hyperuricemia may further exacerbate insulin resistance.
A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Medicine looked at several thousand adults and their children. Researchers found that people with higher uric acid levels were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
A 2014 study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that the association between gout and diabetes was particularly strong in women. Researchers said that women with gout had a 71% higher risk of developing diabetes than women without gout.
Some factors are associated with both diseases.
Some factors are associated with both diseases.
- Obesity.
- Obesity. Almost 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. People who are obese are 4 times more likely to develop gout than people of normal weight. Weight gain decreases the ability of the kidneys to remove uric acid.
- Other diseases. About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure raises uric acid levels and is also associated with insulin resistance. Gout and diabetes are also associated with kidney damage and heart disease.
- Age.
- Age. The risk of both diseases is higher if you are older than 45 years old.
- Age.
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What factors can trigger gout?
What can trigger gout in a particular patient?
The factors that can cause a gout attack in one person may not cause a gout attack in another person. However, common triggers include:
- Drinking a lot of alcohol, especially beer and hard liquor.
- Foods high in purines, including red meat, animal organs (such as liver), and certain seafood, including shellfish.
- Sweetened sodas and foods containing fructose (a type of sugar).
- Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure, swollen legs, or heart failure.
- Fasting and dehydration.
If you feel that certain factors may trigger gout, consult your doctor about what you should do to avoid these factors.
Treatment of gout
People with diabetes should have a uric acid level equal to or less than 6 mg/dl to reduce the risk of a gout attack. If you don’t know your uric acid level, ask your doctor to prescribe relevant blood tests.
Your doctor may recommend medication to help reduce uric acid production or to help your kidneys excrete more uric acid.
Treatment may include:
- Uric acid excretory agents may help the body excrete more uric acid.
- Xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which help the body reduce uric acid.
If you have gout, the following medications can relieve pain and swelling.
- Colchicine is a gout medication that works best if taken immediately after a gout attack. Stomach problems are a common side effect, but more serious side effects can occur.
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can be taken orally or injected into the joint. Another injectable drug can help the body produce natural corticosteroids.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen and naproxen. Do not take aspirin, which can make pain worse.
Managing gout and diabetes
Lifestyle changes can lower uric acid and help control blood sugar.
- Watch your diet. Diet is key to managing both types of disease. In addition to using a diabetically appropriate diet plan, certain foods should be avoided and other foods added. Consider consulting a registered dietitian who can develop a diet plan that suits your tastes and needs.
- Eliminate or limit high-purine foods such as red meat and seafood, including shrimp, lobster, shellfish, anchovies, and sardines.
- Limit or stop alcohol intake to prevent a relapse.
- Adding dairy products like skim milk and low-fat yogurt may prevent gout.
- Increasing exercise. Regular exercise helps control blood sugar and can also help with weight loss and can help your body remove excess uric acid. Ask your doctor which types of exercise are beneficial for both conditions.
- Maintain good hydration. It is generally accepted that increasing your water intake will help flush out uric acid and keep your kidneys working properly. The ideal goal is to consume about 2 liters of water a day, about 8 cups. Increase your water intake when you exercise.
- Control other diseases. High blood pressure, kidney disease, and obesity can increase uric acid levels and can cause gout attacks. If you have one of these conditions, make sure you see your doctor regularly and follow your treatment plan.
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