By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
A vitamin like compound the body produces in small amounts, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), possesses powerful antioxidant properties, soluble in both water and fat. Consequently, it is able to disarm radicals anywhere in the body from watery substances such as blood to fatty substances like cholesterol. ALA may give health benefits in preventing and treating diabetes and its complications.
The cells in type 2 diabetes have become insensitive to insulin and are starved for sugar. ALA can benefit type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and helping insulin in the blood to get into the cells. In type 1 diabetes, the body is under high levels of oxidation stress and ALA would lower the oxidative stress. If it were not lowered, the diabetes state would become worse and contribute to the complications of heart diseases and nerve damage. ALA does lower blood glucose levels so careful monitoring should be done and the physician consulted regarding any adjustment of diabetes medication that might be needed while taking this supplement.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2005, Vol332, no 3
Cardiovascular Diabetology, 2005, Vol 4. no5.
