Retinopathy and serum uric acid in diabetics

Low serum uric acid (UA) levels have been reported in diabetics. In a group followed for 15 years it was reported that low UA levels preceded the onset of diabetic retinopathy. We studied 95 consecutive diabetic clinic patients between July and September 1992. There was no significant difference in UA levels between those with or without retinopathy: 5.0 +/- 1.2 (SD) mg--vs. 5.3 +/- 1.3, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher UA levels were related independently to high body mass index (overweight, obesity), and male gender, but not to age, duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin, diabetic treatment or retinopathy.