Gout may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and research has found that women are more vulnerable to these effects then men. It has been long documented that sufferers of gout generally tend to develop diabetes as well which reveals that having one of the conditions greatly increases your risk for the other. The association may be due to both gout and diabetes share risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of exercise.

Gout and diabetes are seen a metabolic disorders which often may be inherited from your parents. Even if they are not genetically passed on you probably share similar lifestyle and eating habits as your parents who may already have one or both conditions thus further increasing your risk of development.

Additionally, both conditions are characterized by poor circulation, in particular poor circulation to the limbs. Not only do both diseases lead to a poor quality of life but they can come with a slew of health complications as well as a risk of death.

Gout linked to increases diabetes risk

Previous research has found a link between gout and a risk of type 2 diabetes. Many studies generally focused on this relationship on men but a study published in BMJ wanted to test if the relationship still remained in women as well.

The researchers examined a database which included nearly 7.5 million health records. For each of the 35,339 cases of gout researchers analyzed they were compared with up to five people without gout for a total of 137,056 control patients.

Gout cases typically occurred more in men with an average age of 62 and in women the average age was 67. Those diagnosed with gout tended to drink more alcohol, visit a doctor frequently, had additional health problems and took steroids or diuretics compared to those without gout.

Although men generally had more risk factors for diabetes, women had higher rates of diabetes if they had gout. In fact women were 71 percent more likely to develop diabetes if they had gout compared to men – only 22 percent.

The researchers suggest ongoing inflammation caused by gout could be the reason behind the increase risk of type 2 diabetes along with other risk factors which both gout and diabetes share. In order to reduce the risk of diabetes, especially among those with gout, changes to lifestyle habits should begin early on to avoid complications. Lifestyle changes, too, can also help better manage gout symptoms.

Previous study shows high uric acid levels can increase risk of diabetes

It is well known the role of high uric acid levels plays in gout, but previous research has found that uric acid levels in gout may also play a role in the development of diabetes as well. The findings of the study revealed that high uric acid levels in the blood can increase the risk of diabetes by 20 percent. Furthermore, high uric acid levels can increase the risk of kidney disease by 40 percent.

To achieve their findings researchers examined 2,000 medical records of men with gout – none of the men had diabetes or kidney disease at the time. Over the course of a three year period, nine percent of men with gout with uncontrolled uric acid levels developed diabetes. This was compared with six percent of gout patients who had uric acid levels under control.

After accounting for other diabetes risk factors the researchers found there was a 19 percent higher risk of developing diabetes in gout patients with uncontrolled uric acid levels compared to those who had levels under control.

Steps to prevent gout and diabetes

As mentioned gout and diabetes share many common risk factors and so they can easily be prevent through natural means and lifestyle changes. Here are some changes you can make in order to better prevent gout and diabetes simultaneously.

• Lose weight – both gout and diabetes share being overweight or obese as a risk factor
• Exercise regularly – not only will exercise help control weight but it can improve heart health and overall health to further reduce your risk of gout and diabetes
• Minimize alcohol consumption or eliminate it completely – there has been research which suggests heavy beer consumption is linked with an increased risk of gout. Although the association has not been seen with wine, it’s still important to keep alcohol consumption to a minimal and in moderation
• Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages
• Go on a gout diet – reduce intake of foods which are high in purines which can turn into uric acid. This consists of red meat, organ meats and many forms of seafood. If you’re unsure what foods contain purines, speak with your doctor
• Consume more dairy – research has shown that consuming low-fat dairy product it may help reduce the risk of gout and diabetes

By following these prevention tips you can reduce your risk of developing gout and diabetes. As mentioned both diseases can contribute to health complications and so it is wise to simply prevent both of them in order to preserve your health.

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