Hyperuricemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bahawalpur Pakistan

Introduction: Hyperuricemia is linked to increased morbidity and diabetes complications, making early identification and treatment crucial for reducing the disease burden. Studies in Pakistan indicate variations in the prevalence of hyperuricemia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Objective: To determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia in T2DM patients at a tertiary care hospital in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Material & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital. T2DM was defined as HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher, a fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, or a 2-hour plasma glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher during an oral glucose tolerance test. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid >7.0 mg/dl in males and >6.0 mg/dl in females. Exclusions included patients on thiazide diuretics, with malignancies, end-stage kidney disease, chronic liver disease, or pregnant women. Data from medical records of 240 T2DM patients were collected from March to August 2024, focusing on demographics, diabetes control, HbA1c levels, and complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, applying Fischer’s Exact test and Chi-Square test with p <0.05 significance. Results: Mean age was 55.5+14.7 years, having a female preponderance (124, 51.7%). Mean diabetes duration was 7.1+5.6 years with the majority of patients having poor diabetes control (178, 74.2%). Nephropathy was seen in 27 (11.3%) and ischemic heart disease in 41 (17.1%). Hyperuricemia was present in 21 (8.8%) patients, showing significant association with diabetes duration and nephropathy.
Conclusion: Hyperuricemia was not uncommon, with longer diabetes duration and the presence of nephropathy increasing the risk.