Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of a type of protein called purines, which are commonly found in organ meats and some fish. It is generally excreted in the urine, but high dietary purine consumption and some metabolic disorders can cause it to build up in the body. Abnormally high and low levels of uric acid in the blood are not indicative of any particular disease, but can play a role in some diseases.
The most common disease caused by high uric acid levels is gout. However, high uric acid levels are also typical of people with diabetes mellitus. When it crystallizes in the urine, it is a common cause of kidney stones. Low uric acid levels are common in multiple sclerosis.