Hyperuricaemia in obese Type 2 diabetics in Jos, north central Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Uric acid is a metabolite from the breakdown of purines. Elevated serum levels (hyperuricaemia) is known to have an association with cardiovascular risk factors that are often seen in obesity, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance. This study will attempt to give an insight into this association among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.
Methodology: 100 patients with Type 2 diabetes visiting a private health facility in Jos, North Central Nigeria participated in this study. The data obtained for analysis from each participant were anthropometric indices ( body mass index, waist circumference) and laboratory parameters ( serum lipids and uric acid).
Results: 64% of participants were males. 79% of the population were obese and 45% had hyperuricaemia. The proportion of females with obesity (94,4%) was significantly greater than that for males (70.3%) but there was no significant difference between the proportion of males and females with hyperuricaemia. Serum uric acid showed significant positive correlation with waist circumference (p=0.04) and age (p=0.03) and had no significant relationship with other variables.
Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of hyperuricaemia in obese patients will help reduce their overall risk of cardiovascular events. This is achieved by both non pharmacological and pharmacological means.

Key words: Diabetes, Hyperuricaemia, Obesity