Gout is a metabolic disease where the blood uric acid i.e. urate concentration level increases. This is caused by increased production of uric acid or a reduced secretion of uric acid through the kidneys.
Obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, a high blood fat level, alcohol consumption, a diet rich in purine and some rare genetic metabolic syndromes increase the production of uric acid. The secretion of uric acid is reduced by kidney failure and many medicines, specifically diuretics.
A high uric acid level and attacks of gout cause an inflammation in the body which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In a gout-related inflammation, the crystals resulting from gout cause a joint inflammation. The inflammation is most likely to occur in the base joint of the big toe, but other joints can also become inflamed, such as the ankle, knee, wrist or finger joints. It is also possible that gouty nodes develop under the skin.
The prevention and diagnosis of gout, diet and medication are no different for people with diabetes. If the treatment involves cortisone injections or oral pills, it is important to remember their blood sugar-raising effect.