Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant in your body. Those suffering from Type 2 diabetes cannot control blood sugar and suffer from pain, burning, itching and tingling in the limbs called peripheral neuropathy. There are several forms of ALA; R-Alpha-lipoic acid (R-ALA) is best absorbed and used by your body. R-ALA can help reduce blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity and decrease peripheral neuropathy in diabetics.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
ALA is soluble in both oil and water, making it able to spread throughout your body unlike other endogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. In addition to directly acting as an antioxidant, ALA stimulates the production of glutathione, a very powerful endogenous antioxidant. ALA is an important cofactor for energy production and fat metabolism in the mitochondria, the organelle in your cells that produces energy. The body may break down ALA rapidly; you can use time-release supplements to prolong the effects. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, take 600 mg of R-ALA per day to treat diabetes.
Lowering Blood Sugar
Type 2 diabetes prevents your body from producing and using insulin normally. Insulin is a hormone that stimulates cells to absorb sugar from the blood, lowering blood sugar and replenishing cellular energy stores. When insulin no longer works, blood sugar rises sharply, resulting in problems with your kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, R-ALA can help reduce blood sugar when combined with proper diet and regular physical activity.
Improving Insulin Sensitivity
When blood sugar is persistently high from overeating and a sedentary lifestyle, your cells stop responding to insulin as they have all the sugar and nutrients they need. As this condition persists, cells cannot respond to insulin, even as their energy stores are depleted. This is known as insulin resistance. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, R-ALA activates the insulin signaling pathway in cells, improving insulin sensitivity over time.
Improve Peripheral Neuropathy
When your metabolism and blood flow are inhibited with diabetes, your body can produce free radicals and other irritants in higher than normal quantities. These irritants can cause painful sensations in your body's nerves, especially the lower legs. You may experience peripheral neuropathy as pain, burning, itching, tingling or discomfort. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, research indicates that 600 mg of intravenous ALA can improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in diabetics. Oral supplementation of R-ALA may also be effective, although there is not as much clinical evidence.
Safety
R-ALA does not replace medication prescribed by your doctor to treat diabetes or any other condition. Take R-ALA under the supervision of your health care provider. R-ALA may decrease blood sugar too far, especially if taken in high doses. High doses of ALA may prevent absorption of biotin, an important nutrient. Allergic reactions to supplements containing ALA have been rarely reported.
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