Alpha Lipoic Acid

There are many supplements and nutrients that help diabetic patients. Intake of these supplements is a wise way to control blood sugar levels for diabetes-affected people. The alpha lipoic acid is considered to be one of the best supplements for diabetics for its renowned properties. Its importance in curing diabetic neuropathy has been widely recognized and accepted.

Alpha Lipoic acid is a fatty acid which helps our body produce energy required for the day to day functions. It is responsible for the conversion of glucose in our blood to energy and hence it has a potential role in improving blood sugar control. Alpha Lipoic acid is found in very small amounts in foods such as spinach, peas, broccoli, organ meats, Brussels sprouts and Brewer’s yeast. It can also be obtained artificially in the form of capsules.

Very beneficial to diabetics, Alpha lipoic acid is said to lower the blood sugar levels in the body and helps people with nerve damage caused due to diabetes. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. It is also said to help another form of diabetes called Autonomic Neuropathy, a condition where the nerves to the heart are affected. It increases uptake of glucose in type 2 diabetes inhibits glycosylation and is to perk up diabetic nerve damage and reduces the pain related with that nerve damage.

In diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress plays a major role in the cause and advancement of late microangiopathic complications. Treating the diabetic patients with Lipoic acid, which is an antioxidant, reduces urinary albumin excretion and oxidative stress and also reduces the pace of the progression of endothelial cell damage. It also helps making tissues more receptive to insulin.

Also referred as an “ultimate universal antioxidant”, it has a key role to play in glucose and energy metabolism. Studies have shown that ALA helps in transporting glucose into the cell thereby maintaining adequate blood sugar metabolism. It also helps in preventing diabetes by reducing the accumulation of fats in the body.

Studies suggest that the use of this diabetic supplement is extremely effective in lowering the blood sugar and the insulin levels, maintains proper glucose metabolism, releases energy from food, extends the action of other antioxidants, reduces cholesterol, reduces the triglyceride levels, reduces blood pressure, and prevents heart diseases.