Elevated Serum Uric Acid Increases Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy and Kidney Disease: Study

Key Findings

• SUA Levels and CKD Progression: Increased SUA levels were observed in patients with later CKD stages versus stage 1 CKD (p < 0.001).

• SUA and Vision-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy (VTDR): The levels of SUA were higher in VTDR patients than in patients with no DR (p = 0.019).

• Risk of DR: Higher SUA levels indicated a higher probability of DR (OR: 1.002; 95% CI: 1.001–1.004).

• Risk of CKD: Increased SUA levels indicated a higher risk of CKD (OR: 1.008; 95% CI: 1.006–1.011).

• Thresholds for Risk Rise: SUA values above 354.0 µmol/L (95% CI: 318.9–393.2) were linked to a 1.571-fold higher risk of DR (95% CI: 1.139–2.099, P = 0.006).

• SUA and Risk of CKD: SUA values above 361.0 µmol/L (95% CI: 339.2–386.3) were associated with a 1.395-fold higher risk of CKD (95% CI: 1.033–1.885, P = 0.030).

• Gender-Specific Analysis: Positive correlation of elevated SUA levels with DR and CKD in both male and female patients.

This research offers robust evidence for an independent association between high SUA levels and diabetic retinopathy and chronic kidney disease risks in long-term diabetic patients. The results highlight the probable predictive value of SUA in the prediction of diabetic complications, highlighting the importance of routine SUA monitoring in diabetes care.

Reference:

Wang, H., Gu, L., Ma, Y. et al. High levels of serum uric acid are associated with microvascular complications in patients with long-term diabetes. Diabetol Metab Syndr 17, 106 (2025).https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-025-01656-1