My uric acid is high — what should I do?
Elevated uric acid is a marker of metabolic risk and can cause gout. Address weight, alcohol, fructose, and purine load. Symptomatic gout or very high levels are provider-reviewed for urate-lowering therapy.
Full answer
Hyperuricemia tracks with insulin resistance, adiposity, alcohol (especially beer), fructose, and certain medications (diuretics, low-dose aspirin). Most cases are asymptomatic; some present with gout flares or kidney stones. The workup includes fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipids, renal function, and (when stones are present) urinalysis. Lifestyle is first-line. Urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat) is provider-reviewed for recurrent gout, tophaceous disease, or very high persistent levels. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is not routinely treated pharmacologically.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Methodology — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-06-03