Gout is one form of arthritis,and it appears when the uric acid level in the blood is high. The chances of gout are high if a person has type 2 diabetes and vice-versa. Gout causes sudden swelling and pain in the joints, and it affects the big toe at the initial stage. Uric acid is a waste that the body makes when it breaks down purine found in food and other substances.

The link between gout and diabetes

Hyperuricemia is the condition that occurs after gout affects the body. Research shows that people with type 2 diabetes are likely to be more affected by this condition. On the other hand, individuals with high level of uric acid and gout have more chances of having diabetes. When the body becomes insulin resistant, and sugar stays in your blood instead of dissolving in the cells, type 2 diabetes occurs. Such a condition plays a vital role in the development of gout while hyperuricemia worsens insulin resistance. Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, a journal published in 2014 said that the gout and diabetes inter-connection is more prominent in women. Women suffering from gout are more likely to get diabetes as compared to women without gout. Hence, gout diabetes treatment is crucial.

Gout Diabetes Treatment

• To reduce the risk of gout, people with diabetes should have a uric acid level at or below 6 mg/dL. The doctor would order blood or urine test to know the exact number and give medications accordingly to help yourbody build up less uric acid,so that the kidneys can easily get rid of the acid. Treatments for gout include the following:
• Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (help the body produce less uric acid)
• Uricosuric agents (help the body to pass more uric acid)
• There are many medicines which can give relief from the swelling and pain that ensues from gout. As the big toe is the first point of gout attack, cold packs can be applied to the joint to reduce inflammation and avail pain relief. Rest is essential as gout attacks can be severe and relief from pain is necessary as sometimes the toe remains sensitive and pain flares up suddenly.

Having the right diet is crucial. Avoid shrimp, sardine, dairy milk products or any food that has purine in it. Limit your consumption of alcohol to prevent another gout attack. Regular exercise helps keep blood sugar in check. Remain hydrated with eight glasses of water a day and treat other medical conditions like kidney diseases or high blood pressure, which are capable of causing high uric acid.