Metabolic syndrome (MetS) appears to increase the likelihood of several conditions occurring together, such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The syndrome is a collection of risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing other conditions (2).
MetS is present if an individual exhibits at least three of the following five symptoms:
- Central, visceral, abdominal obesity.
- Fasting blood glucose levels at or above 100 mg/dL.
- Blood pressure readings of 130/85 mm/Hg or higher.
- Blood triglyceride levels at or above 150 mg/dL.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are at or below 40 mg/dL for males and at or below 50 mg/dL for females.
MetS, Men, and Gout Findings
A 2022 research study (1) reports that people with metabolic syndrome also have an increased risk of gout. Gout is a common type of arthritis resulting in severe discomfort, inflammation, and joint inflexibility due to an excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body. Typically, it impacts the metatarsophalangeal joint located at the base of the big toe.
The Arthritis & Rheumatology journal published a study of 1.3 million men between 20 and 39 years of age with metabolic syndrome or who developed MetS. Findings showed that if participants developed MetS, their risk of getting gout doubled. The risk was higher if the men had high triglycerides and abdominal obesity aspects of MetS. In a more positive spin, if someone recovered from MetS, the risk of gout was reduced by half.
These studies are the first to establish a link between metabolic syndrome changes and gout risk.
Preventing or Reversing MetS
Preventing MetS or recovering from it can significantly reduce the risk of gout in young adults. “The importance of managing aspects of Metabolic Syndrome through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and weight management is the best way to reduce the risk of developing gout,” says Bright McConnell, MD, Orthopaedics Surgeon and Certified Age Management Physician.
“The rise of high-fat/high-sugar diets has led to spikes in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Changing diet is a critical aspect of managing MetS, thus, reducing the risk of developing painful gout.”
“Hypertension and diabetes are no longer ‘diseases for the aged. Gout is just one of the many additional risks of these chronic conditions. Early onset of these diseases reduces the quality of life.”
Gout symptoms result from uric acid crystals forming in the joints and the body’s inflammatory response to them. Treatment ranges from changes in lifestyle to biologic prescriptions for severe cases.
Gout can be hard to diagnose as the symptoms occur over time. Dr. McConnell tailors treatment to the individual with close monitoring and use of the “treat to target” approach, which involves gradually increasing a uric acid-lowering therapy to reach a target therapeutic level.
Schedule your FitMed appointment with Bright McConnell, MD, online or call 843-471-2534.
(1)2022 Research Study Findings, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in South Korea
(2) Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk – Medical News Today.
(3) Rheumatology Advisor, January 2023, Metabolic Syndrome May Be a Modifiable Risk Factor for Gout
