Lipoic Acid & Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes characterized by nerve damage that may affect the hands, legs or feet. Common symptoms of this condition include abnormal sensations and feelings such as burning pain, tingling or weakness of the affected limb. If you suffer from this condition, talk to your doctor to find out if you can benefit from taking alpha lipoic acid in addition to your current treatment.

Identification

Lipoic acid, also known as alpha lipoic acid or thioctic acid, is a vitamin-like substance that plays a key role in biochemical processes of the body that generate cellular energy. It is also a nutrient with antioxidant qualities, thus protecting the cell damage caused by free radicals caused by pollution, radiation or certain drugs. In Germany, alpha lipoic acid is an approved prescription drug for diabetic neuropathy, according to NaturalNews.com. In North America, lipoic acid is available as an over-the-counter supplement, and is primarily recommended by alternative health care practitioners.

Treating Diabetic Neuropathy

A daily dosage of 600 mg of lipoic acid in injectable form for three weeks significantly decreases symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including neuropathic pain, according to G.S. Minjohut and his colleagues from Department of Internal Medicine, Isala Clinics, The Netherlands. The authors drew their conclusion based on a review of relevant clinical studies, commenting also that is unknown whether or not the oral lipoic acid delivers the same benefits as the injectable form for treating diabetic neuropathy.

Preventing Diabetic Neuropathy

Due to its antioxidant properties, lipoic acid helped improve insulin usage in animal models in a study conducted by E.J. Henriksen and associates, published in the December 2010 issue of "Free Radical Biology and Medicine." Although more studies in humans are needed to confirm these clinical findings, the researchers indicate that preventing oxidative stress (caused by free radicals) with alpha lipoic acid is an important factor in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes and don't have nerve complications, lipoic acid may help improve this disease and subsequently prevent diabetic neuropathy or other complications.

Considerations

Consult a qualified practitioner before taking lipoic acid supplements. This nutrient may interact with anti-diabetes oral medication, insulin or conventional drugs used for treating thyroid disorders such as levothyroxine. In rare cases, lipoic acid may cause mild skin irritation. The safety of this product in pregnant women has not been assessed. Keep in mind that alpha lipoic acid does not replace any conventional drugs you are currently taking.