Alpha Lipoic Acid for Better Blood Sugar Control

Published: August 12, 2012
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We've talked in the past (and in this issue) about alpha lipoic acid (ALA) being very important for nerve pain — especially diabetic nerve pain, at a daily dosage of 300 milligrams. But for people with type 2 diabetes, it turns out that ALA is good for more than diabetes-damaged nerves.

The new study, from researchers in Thailand, shows that ALA can improve long-term blood sugar levels (HA1c) in people with diabetes — and the higher the dose of ALA, the lower the blood sugar, with 1,200 mg a day doing the most good. The study also showed ALA helped cut down on the oxidation of blood fats, the process behind artery-clogging atherosclerosis. That's important, because heart disease and stroke are the leading killers of people with diabetes. For nerve pain, the 300 mg 2x day is optimal, and a good dose for those with diabetes.

Reference

"Glycemic and oxidative status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus following oral administration of alpha lipoic acid: a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study," Porasuphatana S, et al, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2012;21(1):12-21.

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

is one of the world's leading integrative medical authorities on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. He is the lead author of eight research studies on their effective treatments, and has published numerous health & wellness books, including the bestseller on fibromyalgia From Fatigued to Fantastic! and The Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Solution. Dr. Teitelbaum is one of the most frequently quoted fibromyalgia experts in the world and appears often as a guest on news and talk shows nationwide including Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah & Friends, CNN, and Fox News Health.

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