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The Gout & Uric Acid Education Society (GUAES) is committed to raising public awareness about gout and arming patients, like you, with resources to help you  better understand gout diagnosis and treatment.
As you may know, elevated uric acid in the bloodstream is the root cause of gout - the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. But as gout continues to affect a growing number of Americans, new research from GUAES reveals that very few adults understand the importance of regular uric acid testing, let alone the recommended levels for preventing gout and other health issues.
According to the survey, just 16% of Americans know the target uric acid level (6 mg/dL or below) for treating gout. Additionally, just four out of 10 Americans, including those who have gout, know that an elevated uric acid level contributes to an increased risk for gout and gout flares. And only half of people with gout believe it's important to monitor their uric acid levels regularly in order to prevent future flares.
This low awareness is translating into lack of action - with just 10% of Americans overall, and 38% of people with gout, saying they have had their uric acid checked within the past six months. One in three people with gout say it's been more than a year since they've had their levels tested, and an alarming two-thirds of Americans say they have never had their levels checked, or aren't sure if they did.
The survey also revealed many misconceptions about gout and low awareness of the steps to take once a gout diagnosis is made. Additional results can be found here.
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"Go For 6"
This Football Season
To kick off football season this month, we've introduced a new comic from artist Shaun Boland to remind those who have or who are at risk for gout to think about their uric acid levels.
Both the ACR and EULAR propose a target uric acid level of less than 6 mg/dL in their gout treatment guidelines. If your uric acid level is higher than 6 mg/dL, your doctor may prescribe uric acid-lowering medications.
Learn more about the "Go for 6" campaign and how to control your uric acid levels here.
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Celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Did you know your ethnicity can impact your risk for developing gout? Hispanics face greater risks for many health conditions - including obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease - which can put them at an increased risk for developing gout.
Despite their risks, new research from GUAES found that only one in three Hispanics knows why it's important to check their uric acid levels regularly and just 17% had their levels checked within the past six months.
Learn more about risk factors and triggers for gout here.
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