What is uric acid and why is it tested?
Uric acid is the end-product of purine metabolism. Elevations cause gout and correlate with insulin resistance, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk independent of gout.
Full answer
Uric acid is the end-product of purine metabolism, excreted primarily by the kidneys. The clinical insight beyond gout: hyperuricemia correlates with insulin resistance, hypertension, NAFLD, and cardiovascular events even in patients who never develop gout. Drivers include fructose, alcohol (especially beer), red meat and organ meats, dehydration, diuretics, and insulin resistance. oMeds provider review flags drift above 6 mg/dL in men or 5 in women, particularly with insulin resistance markers. Lower-normal uric acid is favorable; persistent elevation warrants lifestyle and (when appropriate) pharmacologic review.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Uric Acid — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29