Investigating the Association between Serum Uric Acid Levels, Diabetes and Other Key Biochemical Markers: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Interrelationships and Implications for Health
Nisat Sultana
Department of Microbiology, Stemz Health Care Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Md. Sujon Ali
*
Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
Md. Abu Yousuf
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Hafizul Islam
Department of Transfusion Services, The Ohio State University- Wexner Medical Center, USA.
Pronoy Kumer Sarker
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Popular diagnostic Centre Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Amzad Hossen
Department of Hematology & Clinical Pathology, National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Serum uric acid (UA) has emerged as a significant biomarker associated with metabolic disorders, including diabetes and dyslipidemia. While hyperuricemia is linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk globally, its role in South Asian populations, particularly Bangladesh, remains understudied. Given the rising prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Bangladesh, understanding UA's association with these conditions is crucial for tailored clinical interventions.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum UA levels, diabetes, and other metabolic parameters in a Bangladeshi cohort, while assessing gender-specific differences and predictive utility.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using 220 laboratory reports from urban and semi-urban diagnostic centers in Bangladesh (2022–2023). Biochemical parameters, including UA, HbA1c, lipid profiles, and renal markers, were analyzed. Hyperuricemia was defined as UA >7.0 mg/dL (males) and >6.0 mg/dL (females). Statistical analyses included Spearman’s correlation, ROC analysis, and logistic regression.
Results: Females had higher hyperuricemia (38.2% vs. 14.1%, P=0.040) and diabetes prevalence (12.7% vs. 8.2%, P=0.042), while males exhibited lower HDL (43 vs. 48 mg/dL, P=0.009). UA correlated positively with HbA1c (ρ=0.25, P=0.006) and inversely with HDL (ρ=-0.18, P=0.024). Triglycerides (OR=2.85, P=0.004) and low HDL (OR=1.67, P=0.009) were stronger diabetes predictors than UA (OR=1.41, P=0.021).
Conclusion: UA is associated with metabolic dysfunction but is a weaker diabetes predictor than lipid abnormalities in Bangladeshi adults. Gender-specific differences highlight the need for tailored screening and management strategies.
Keywords: Uric acid, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia