I've had gout attacks starting in 2004. I control mine through diet. I especially avoid shell fish. If I feel a slight twinge, I stop drinking alcohol for a few days.

I also make sure to stay hydrated especially when riding or in hot weather.

A couple of years ago I made a BIG mistake. I let my cardiologist put me on a diuretic for high blood pressure. It dropped my BP by 10 points almost over night. It also started a bunch of gout attacks. A diuretic basically keeps you dehydrated.