When insulin lowers how much uric acid and sodium your kidneys get rid of, these two changes tend to happen together in healthy adults — meaning insulin might be affecting both in a similar way.

What we've found so far is that when insulin reduces the amount of uric acid and sodium excreted by the kidneys, these two effects tend to occur together in healthy adults [1]. Our analysis of the available research suggests insulin may influence both processes in a similar way. We reviewed 33.0 supporting assertions and found no studies that refute this pattern [1]. This means the evidence we’ve examined consistently shows that insulin’s effect on reducing kidney excretion of uric acid and sodium tends to happen at the same time. While we can’t say from this evidence alone whether insulin causes these changes or exactly how the process works, the close link between the two responses appears notable. It’s important to clarify that our current analysis does not prove insulin affects uric acid and sodium excretion through the same mechanism—only that the two responses are closely related in the studies we’ve looked at. Since all the available evidence supports this linked response and none contradicts it, the data we’ve reviewed leans toward a coordinated effect. Still, we recognize our understanding is limited. We don’t yet know if this relationship holds under all conditions or how other factors might influence it. As we continue to analyze new research, our view may evolve. Practical takeaway: In healthy adults, insulin seems to lower the kidney’s removal of both uric acid and sodium at the same time—so changes in one might go hand in hand with changes in the other.