Alpha-lipoic acid is unique in several ways. Unlike other antioxidants, which work only in water (such as vitamin C) or fatty tissues (such as vitamin E), alpha-lipoic acid is both fat- and water-soluble. That means it can work throughout the body. In addition, antioxidants are depleted as they attack free radicals, but evidence suggests alpha-lipoic acid may help to regenerate these other antioxidants and make them active again. In the cells of the body, alpha-lipoic acid is converted into dihydrolipoic acid.

Diabetes and Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels, and its ability to kill free radicals may help reduce pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in people who have nerve damage caused by diabetes (called peripheral neuropathy). Alpha-lipoic acid has been used for years for this purpose in Europe, and at least one study found that intravenous (IV) doses of alpha-lipoic acid helped reduce symptoms. However, the evidence indicating that taking alpha-lipoic acid orally in a 2006 study did show benefit from taking alpha-lipoic acid for diabetic neuropathy compared to a placebo.

Taking alpha-lipoic acid does appear to help another diabetes-related condition, called autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves supplying the heart. One study found that 73 people with autonomic neuropathy improved when taking 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid orally compared to placebo.

Available Forms:

Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are available as capsules on this website.

How to Take It:

Adult

Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy: 800 mg per day in divided doses.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefit for Diabetes

Lipoic acid is helpful in diabetes, particularly for those with diabetic neuropathy and diabetic nephropathy. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the cause and progression of late microangiopathic (small vessel) complications in diabetes mellitus. Treatment of diabetic patients with the antioxidant lipoic acid reduce oxidative stress and urinary albumin excretion, and slows the progression of endothelial cell damage. Alpha lipoic acid may also make tissues more sensitive to insulin.

Diabetics are prone to kidney disease and oxidative stress may play a major role in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Previous studies have suggested that treatment of diabetic patients with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid reduces oxidative stress and urinary protein excretion. In this study completed at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, the effect of alpha lipoic acid on the progression of kidney cell damage and the course of diabetic nephropathy was evaluated in 84 patients with diabetes over 18 months. Forty-nine patients had no antioxidant treatment and served as a control group. Thirty-five patients were treated with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid per day. After 18 months of follow up, those on lipoic acid had a slower progression of the disease than the control group as shown by a decrease in the amount of protein lost in urine. Previous studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid may be helpful for diabetic neuropathy, the loss of sensation often first noticed in feet. Laboratory studies have also indicated that lipoic acid reverses the age-associated decline in the proper functioning of mitochondria. Mitochondria are enclosures located within each cell. They are primarily responsible for energy production.

Improvement of insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid. Kamenova P. Hormones (Athens). 2006 Oct-Dec;5(4):251-8. Department of Diabetology, University Hospital of Endocrinology, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether oral administration of alpha-lipoic acid improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Twelve patients were treated with oral alpha-lipoic acid, 600 mg twice daily over a period of 4 weeks. Twelve subjects with normal glucose tolerance served as a control group in terms of insulin sensitivity. At the end of the treatment period, insulin sensitivity of diabetic patients was significantly increased: short-term oral alpha-lipoic acid treatment increases peripheral insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Alpha lipoic acid and diabetic neuropathy

High blood sugar levels for prolonged periods can be toxic to nerves in the body. Diabetics who don't control their blood sugar eventually start losing sensation in their feet. Other problems follow resulting from damage to various nerves that supply internal organs. Even impotence can result due to loss of nerve sensation in genital organs. However high blood sugar may not be the only culprit. Diabetics are usually under high oxidative stress and this probably contributes to their neurological problems.

Several studies indicate that this nutrient has beneficial effects on diabetic neuropathy, party due to its actions as an antioxidant, and also by improving the circulation to tiny blood vessels supplying nerve tissue.

Pain is a universal experience. The reaction to Alpha Lipoic Acid as to the degree to one may feel diabetic neuropathy pain and how they react to it, are the results of their own biological, psychological and cultural makeup. Past encounters with painful injury or illness also can influence an individual's sensitivity to pain and to most medications.

Follow the directions on the label. Do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

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