Uric acid is often perceived as a marker solely related to gout. In practice, it is an important marker of energy metabolism, kidney function, and insulin levels.
It reflects not just the breakdown of purines, but the state of the entire metabolic system — especially the balance between production and excretion.
What Uric Acid Actually Indicates
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, but its level in the blood depends not so much on intake as on excretion and overall metabolic state:
- the higher the insulin — the worse uric acid is excreted;
- the higher the load on cells — the more it is produced;
- it is an indicator of metabolism, not nutrition.
For example, with insulin levels of 12–16 µU/ml, uric acid often rises above 350–400 µmol/L.
Why Uric Acid Increases
The increase is associated with two main mechanisms: enhanced production and reduced excretion.
Decreased Excretion by the Kidneys. Insulin directly reduces the excretion of uric acid. In hyperinsulinemia, it accumulates even without an excess of purines.
Metabolic Overload. With an excess of energy and active cellular metabolism, the breakdown of nucleotides increases, raising uric acid levels.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances. A lack of fluid and sodium worsens filtration in the kidneys.
Thus, an increase in uric acid is more often a consequence of metabolic overload rather than “overeating meat.”
How to Properly Read Uric Acid
This indicator should not be viewed in isolation.
Connection with Insulin:
- insulin levels above 10–12 µU/ml are often accompanied by an increase in uric acid;
- the higher the insulin — the worse the excretion.
Connection with Triglycerides:
- triglycerides above 1.5–1.7 mmol/L + high uric acid — liver overload;
- excess energy and reduced utilization.
Connection with Hydration and Electrolytes:
- low salt and water intake worsens excretion;
- sodium deficiency reduces filtration in the kidneys.
How to Interpret Values
- up to 300–320 µmol/L — optimal level;
- 320–360 µmol/L — beginning of accumulation;
- 360–420 µmol/L — pronounced decrease in excretion;
- above 420 µmol/L — high load on the system and risk of crystallization.
Increased uric acid is more often an indicator of insulin resistance and metabolic overload, rather than excessive protein consumption.
Specific Examples of Interpretation
Example 1:
Insulin — 14 µU/ml
Uric Acid — 380 µmol/L
- decreased excretion by the kidneys;
- hyperinsulinemia as the main factor;
- accumulation with normal or moderate nutrition.
Example 2:
Glucose — 5.4 mmol/L
Triglycerides — 1.8 mmol/L
Uric Acid — 420 µmol/L
- carbohydrate overload;
- active fat synthesis in the liver;
- reduced uric acid excretion;
- systemic metabolic overload.
Uric acid is an indicator of how the body copes with excess energy and metabolic byproducts.
It reflects kidney function, insulin levels, and the overall load on the metabolic system.
Proper interpretation allows for identifying problems earlier than symptoms appear and understanding the true cause of the increase, rather than just addressing the number.
