UK beats Europe for gout
The UK has the highest rate of gout – often called the “disease of kings” – in Europe.
Writing in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Nottingham University researchers said their figure show that one in 40 people across the UK is affected by the condition, with the highest rates in Wales and the North East of England.
Gout has historically been regarded as a rich man’s complaint because of its link with too much food and alcohol.
While many experts now see this as too simple, it is clear that drinking too much and being obese are factors. Others include having high blood pressure and diabetes.