Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

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Alpha-Lipoic Acid Benefits Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

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Reference: " [Curative effect of alpha-lipoic acid on peripheral

neuropathy in type 2 diabetes: a clinical study], " Liu F, Zhang Y, et

al, Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi, 2007; 87(38): 2706-9. (Address: Department

of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to

Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Clinical Center of Diabetes,

Shanghai Institute for Diabetes, Shanghai 200233, China).

Summary: In a study involving 95 type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic

peripheral neuropathy, intravenous administration of 600 mg alpha-lipoic

acid (ALA) was found to improve symptoms, as compared to a placebo.

Subjects were randomized into 2 groups. Subjects in group 1 (treatment

group) received IV drip infusion of 600 mg/d ALA in 250 ml normal saline

for 14 days, while subjects in group 2 (control group) received 20 ml

radix salviae by IV drip infusion once a day for 14 days. After one

week, the total symptom score improved in the treatment group (i.e.,

better than before treatment), and was better than the total symptom

score in the control group. After 2 weeks, the total symptom score and

the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (used to evaluate nervous

system symptoms) were significantly lower in the treatment group than

the control group. Numbness, sting sensation, and burning sensation were

all significantly reduced in the treatment group, and not the control

group . 90% of subjects in the treatment group reported gratification

with the treatment, as compared to only 14% of subjects in the control

group. In terms of adverse effects, 1 patient in the treatment group

(n=50) experienced chest distress 2 days after receiving ALA, however,

this symptom improved after the velocity of the IV drip was slowed down.

No other adverse effects were reported. These results suggest that IV

administration of ALA may be a safe and effective treatment for diabetic

peripheral neuropathy.

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