Alpha Lipoic Acid For 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes
Nature is really very clever; it has devised a great system for counteracting oxidative damage in your body … antioxidants. They are compounds that give out electrons to stabilize and neutralize free radicals. Certain substances which are produced in your body are able to combine with specific nutrients found in food and supplements, and work in synergy with each other to keep your body in tip-top shape.
Alpha-lipoic acid, abbreviated as ALA and also known as thioctic acid, is one of those powerful supplements. ALA is proven to be beneficial in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, effectively slowing down the progression of:
- neuropathy
- nephropathy
- retinopathy
and improves the sensitivity of your tissues to insulin.
Helps maintain blood pressure already within normal range, plus promotes complete cardiovascular health
Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and promotes pancreatic health
Homeopathic remedy temporarily corrects mineral imbalances in the blood and pancreas
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has published numerous studies done by different researchers worldwide. These studies concluded that ALA has positive effects in preventing complications brought on by consistently high blood sugar levels.
A study carried out by researchers at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, consisted of 84 diabetic patients who were given alpha-lipoic acid 600 mg twice daily for 18 months. After that period, 35 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were found to have a slower progression of their diabetes as opposed to 49 patients that served as the control group. Also, they discovered less protein was excreted in their urine, which means that nephropathy was somehow halted.
These scientifically proven findings are good news! How does alpha-lipoic acid work? Of course the magical action of ALA is it’s anti-oxidant properties. As an anti-oxidant:
- it counteracts the damage done to nerve cells, particularly the oxidative stress brought about by long term high blood sugar levels
- it offers impressive protection against glycation and aging induced damage to your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves
- it also has the ability to improve blood flow which helps in the battle against neuropathy and other complications associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
A person in good health is often recommended a dose as low as 10-50 mg of ALA once daily, taken an hour or two before meals. Side effects for a higher dose may cause abnormal heart rhythms. However, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends 200-400 mg.
If you are thinking about taking alpha-lipoic acid for your diabetic complications, check with your health care practitioner as the effect of ALA may rule out the need for additional anti-diabetic medications … if you are taking insulin injections your dose may need to be decreased. No doubt your health care practitioner will also advise you to monitor your blood sugar levels when taking any supplements that help reduce your blood sugars, including alpha-lipoic acid.
No matter which supplement or anti-diabetic medication you are prescribed, a healthy eating plan, physical activity and weight loss, are the mainstay of treatment in type 2 diabetes.
To download a free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions … it’s based on question diabetics have asked me in recent months.
Leave a Comment We Do Follow