(P24-120-23) Incidence of Gout in a Population of Under-Represented Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout in a type 2 diabetic (T2D) population of individuals residing in low-income housing with unmet social determinants of health. The major goals are to identify senior adults at risk for these conditions, while educating these populations with methods to modify their nutritional behavior to lower this risk.

Methods: This study is a multisite cross-sectional design of residential communities serving low-income adults. Inclusion criteria are participants of any gender or age, and exclusion criteria include a history of cancer, organ transplant, or being pregnant. Participants responded to a brief dietary survey, a comprehensive personal medical and social histories, including medications. Anthropometric measurements were collected. Non-fasting random glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), and uric acid levels were assessed using blood test kits. Participants were advised of their measurements, and educated on ways to reduce their risk of gout and T2D.

Results: T2D and gout diagnosis was ascertained by self-report or history of taking anti-diabetic medications. 50% of participants reported T2D, and 13% reported gout, both with associated comorbidities. 21% of individuals had a HbA1C indicative of T2D, and 28.8% had hyperuricemia indicative of increased risk of developing gout. Our tests confirmed T2D in 22 individuals, of which 4 were not previously diagnosed. Hyperuricemia was indicated in 13 individuals with no previous diagnosis. Participants with HbA1C ( > 6.5) were 62% more likely to have hyperuricemia which was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Individuals who smoke cigarettes were more likely to develop hyperuricemia compared to those who did not smoke.

Conclusions: 28.8% of the individuals studied had hyperuricemia, which is nearly 3-fold higher than the national average, suggesting that the low-income older individuals have an increased risk of developing T2D, as increased levels of uric acid were correlated with HbA1C. Further research is necessary to derive the true incidence, and preventive education initiatives are crucial in limiting the prevalence of gout and T2D.

Funding Sources: Funding was awarded through a Community-Engaged Research Faculty Fellowship Grant and support from the Division of Research at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.