Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Diabetes

A new study suggests that R-alpha lipoic acid (R-ALA) supplementation may be beneficial in some patients with types 2 diabetes.

Many earlier studies have shown that ALA may improve blood sugar levels among patients with type 2 diabetes.

In the study, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to receive either 200 milligrams of R-ALA three times daily (30 minutes before meals) or placebo for 91 days. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which indicate how well diabetes is being controlled, were measured at the beginning and end of the study.

Some individuals experienced reductions in HbA1c and were able to reduce their antidiabetic medications. However, in general, HbA1c levels were similar between both groups.

However, this study is limited by its small sample sizes and short duration. Additional research is needed to understand how R-ALA may affect diabetes.

For more information about alpha-lipoic acid, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

References
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

Wong EL, Sung RY, Leung TF, et al. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Herbal Therapy for Children with Asthma. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Oct 12. View Abstract

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