Should diabetics take alpha lipoic acid supplements?
A collaborative study between the Mayo Clinic and a medical center in Russia found that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) rapidly reduces the nerve damage in diabetics (Diabetes Care, March 2003). After a diabetic eats, blood sugar levels can rise so high that sugar attaches to cells permanently and is eventually converted to sorbitol which destroys the cell. This process destroys nerves, so diabetics with high blood sugar levels are at risk for blindness, deafness, burning foot syndrome, and loss of feeling and tingling in their extremities. This study shows that Alpha Lipoic Acid pills help to reduce symptoms of nerve damage such as burning, pain, prickling sensations and numbness. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that helps protect nerves from the sorbitol attached to cells. If future studies confirm the results of this one, all out-of-control diabetics will be advised to take alpha lipoic acid supplements.
