Association between serum uric acid levels and metabolic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes from a community with high diabetes prevalence.

Background: The importance of uric acid has been increasingly appreciated because of its association with the development of diabetes mellitus and related diseases.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) level with different clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes from Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Clinical and biochemical data from the patients were obtained and assessed in a cross-sectional design. Relationships between SUA level and various clinical and biochemical parameters were analysed.

Results: SUA level was positively associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with abnormal eGFR (<90 mL/min/1.73 m2 ). HbA1c was found to be inversely associated with hyperuricemia in patients with normal eGFR level (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2 ). Incidence of metabolic syndrome did not show any relationship with SUA level. However, the incidence of hypertension, a component of metabolic syndrome, was significantly higher among patients with hyperuricemia. Waist circumference and serum triglycerides were higher, whereas serum high-density lipoprotein level was lower in patients with higher SUA level. Patients with hyperuricemia had higher incidence of CVDs than those of the normouricemic group.

Conclusions: SUA level was positively associated with incidence of cardiovascular diseases CVD in patients with abnormal eGFR. HbA1c correlated significantly with SUA level in patients with normal eGFR. Incidence of metabolic syndrome did not show any association with SUA level. Incidence of hypertension, waist circumference and serum triglycerides were significantly higher and serum high-density lipoprotein level was lower in patients with higher SUA level.