More than three million Americans suffer from gout and many more people throughout the world have the condition. It’s more common in men, post-menopausal women, and people with kidney disease. Learn more information about gout and how it affects people with diabetes.
What is Gout?
Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in joints. It is more common in men over 45, but can happen earlier. (1) The most common and prevalent symptom of gout is joint pain. Gout usually affects the joint in the large toe, but can affect your ankles, knees, hands and wrists. Other symptoms to be aware of include discomfort in joints and limited range of motion. (3)
More than three million Americans suffer from gout and many more people throughout the world have the condition. It’s more common in men, post-menopausal women, and people with kidney disease. Learn more information about gout and how it affects people with diabetes.
A Link Between Diabetes and Gout?
A study conducted in the United Kingdom on 35,000 people showed women with gout were 71% more likely to develop diabetes opposed to those without gout. Men in the study had a 22% increased risk of developing diabetes. (2)
More than three million Americans suffer from gout and many more people throughout the world have the condition. It’s more common in men, post-menopausal women, and people with kidney disease. Learn more information about gout and how it affects people with diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
It’s thought that increased uric acid levels may worsen insulin resistance, and by controlling blood glucose levels it may help to control uric acid levels. (2) Discuss with your doctor the right glucose goals for you.
More than three million Americans suffer from gout and many more people throughout the world have the condition. It’s more common in men, post-menopausal women, and people with kidney disease. Learn more information about gout and how it affects people with diabetes.
Foods to Avoid when you have Gout
When you have gout, or are prone to getting it, you should avoid beer and other alcoholic beverages. Avoid: anchovies, sardines, herring, mussels, tuna, codfish, scallops, trout, haddock, bacon, organ meats such as liver and kidney, tripe, sweetbreads, and wild games. These foods are broken down into uric acid when digested, potentially causing a flare up, or worsening the inflammation. The Gout and Uric Acid Education Society also recommend limiting table sugar, table salt and foods with high fructose corn syrup such as soft drinks and juices, processed and fast foods, cereals, and store bought baked goods. (2)
