Can Uric Acid Predict Health Risks in People With Diabetes…

Can Uric Acid Predict Health Risks in People With Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease? New Study Explores Its Prognostic Value People living with diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and premature death. Identifying simple biomarkers that can help predict these risks remains an important goal in improving long-term care. A new study published in Scientific Reports examined whether serum uric acid (SUA), a routine blood test commonly associated with gout, could also serve as a marker of mortality risk in patients with both diabetes and CKD. The findings suggest that very high uric acid levels may identify patients at greater risk of cancer-related death and certain cardiovascular outcomes, although further research is needed before changes to clinical practice can be recommended. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, substances found naturally in the body and in certain foods. Normally, the kidneys remove uric acid through urine. However, people with chronic kidney disease often have reduced kidney function, making it harder to eliminate uric acid. As a result, hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels) is common among patients with CKD and diabetes. While elevated uric acid is well known for causing gout and kidney stones, its role in predicting long-term health outcomes has remained uncertain. Previous studies have suggested that elevated serum uric acid may be associated with: Cardiovascular disease Kidney disease progression Increased mortality However, it has been unclear whether uric acid independently predicts these outcomes after accounting for other important risk factors, particularly in people with both diabetes and