Diabetes increases prevalence of gout in low-income elderly populations
Low-income elderly populations with type 2 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia due to interrelated health and lifestyle factors, according to a study.
Researchers surveyed 88 participants, aged 35 to 92, from 3 low-income senior residential communities in the mid-Atlantic United States. Participants’ blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and uric acid levels were also tested.
There was a significant correlation between type 2 diabetes and hyperuricemia, a precursor to gout. Elevated serum urate levels were found in 30.7% of participants, surpassing the national average of 20.1%. Higher HbA1c levels were strongly associated with increased uric acid, and smokers were more likely to have hyperuricemia than non-smokers.
The researchers concluded that diet and lifestyle interventions, combined with community-based health programs, could mitigate the impact of these chronic conditions, reducing their prevalence and associated healthcare costs.
Reference
Smith J, Martin A, Mundadan J, et al. Exploring the prevalence of gout among underrepresented low socioeconomic status type 2 diabetes populations. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025;17(1):25. doi: 10.1186/s13098-025-01586-y. PMID: 39833933; PMCID: PMC11748529.