Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Gout and Diabetes – How Are They Related?

Uric Acid and Insulin Resistance

The main cause of gout is an excessive level of uric acid in the body. The body normally generates this substance to break down chemical compounds called purines in yeast, beer, red meat, or seafood. Uric acid can be removed through urination. However, when you take in too much purine from the diet, the kidneys cannot process uric acid quickly enough. This results in the accumulation of tissues and joints, leading to gout.

High levels of uric acid may cause insulin resistance. This means the body does not respond to insulin properly, which causes too much sugar in the bloodstream. If left untreated, insulin resistance may increase the risk of prediabetes and diabetes. [3]