Study Finds Class of Diabetes Medication Also Reduces Gout Flares

Vancouver (March 27, 2026) — A study led by Arthritis Research Canada scientists Dr. Natalie McCormick, Dr. J. Antonio Aviña-Zubieta, and Dr. Hyon Choi, and trainee Sharan Rai, explored a way to better manage gout and type 2 diabetes with a class of medication called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i). The research team found that patients who started an SGLT2i not only had fewer gout flares, but had lower use of different gout-related medications, including prescriptions for urate-lowering medications, anti-inflammatories, glucocorticoids, and diuretics.

People living with both gout and type 2 diabetes often need to take multiple medications to control their conditions. With many treatment options available, it can be challenging to determine which medications are most effective, especially for patients who are at higher risk of experiencing complications.

“For patients managing both gout and type 2 diabetes, treatment decisions can be complex,” said McCormick, “Our findings suggest that SGLT-2is may help reduce gout flares while also lowering the need for additional medications like anti-inflammatories and glucocorticoids, which can have damaging side effects.”

The research team used existing health data from approximately 27,000 Canadian adults to estimate the effects of treatment with SGLT-2is. By helping to control both conditions, SGLT-2is could offer patients with both gout and type 2 diabetes a more streamlined approach to care.

Read the full study here.

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Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada is home to a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with 10 major Canadian universities.

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brahman@arthritisresearch.ca