Type 1 diabetes: Ease diabetic neuropathy symptoms with ALA

You know that tingling sensation you get when your leg 'falls asleep'? Imagine if that tingling gradually subsided until your leg became completely numb. Or imagine the opposite: a simple tingling that slowly turns into a debilitating pain.

Those are just two ways that nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy can be expressed. In the most severe cases, neuropathy interferes with bowel and bladder function, sexual function, the cardiovascular system and even vision.

What's worse, more than half of all diabetics may have never heard of diabetic neuropathy. Fewer still know that there's a natural way to treat it.

ALA an important supplement for type 1 diabetics
Last week I came across a news item about research that's now underway at the University of Michigan. Based on evidence that oxidative stress is typical in diabetic neuropathy, Dr. Eva Feldman is leading a study that will test the use of three antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid (ALA), nicotinamide (vitamin B-3) and allopurinol) in the treatment of neuropathy.

Dr. Feldman and her team are currently recruiting type 1 diabetics to participate in the antioxidant study. Type 2 diabetics are also at risk of developing this condition, but it's more common among type 1 patients.

The article states that if the study shows this 'antioxidant cocktail' to be successful, it would be 'the first effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy.' But that's not quite accurate. ALA is already on the map as a neuropathy treatment.

In 2003, Mayo Clinic researchers in the US examined the effects of ALA on 120 subjects (with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes) who also had diabetic neuropathy. Subjects were divided into two groups; one group received 600 mg of ALA in intravenous daily doses for 14 days, and the other group received a placebo. Progress was determined by testing nerve conduction, sensation and nervous system function.

As reported in Diabetes Care, the researchers concluded that ALA 'significantly and rapidly' reduced both the severity and frequency of diabetic neuropathy symptoms. Mayo Clinic neurologist, Dr. Peter Dyck added that even at the high dosage level used in the study (not available intravenously in the UK) there were no known complications.

The mother antioxidant recycles vitamins
ALA has been in use since the late 50's (primarily in Germany), and, like other antioxidant nutrients, it may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other degenerative diseases. ALA also does something that no other antioxidant is known to do. It has the unique capacity to actually recycle vitamins C and E from their molecular building blocks. This is why ALA is sometimes called the 'mother antioxidant.'

One of the factors to consider when supplementing with ALA is that it is quickly metabolised and cleared from the liver. As a result, a supplement will only cause a relatively brief rise in blood levels of ALA. Several studies have concluded that significant benefits can result from an intake of 50 mg per day. But whatever your dosage, it's best to take smaller amounts throughout the day, rather than all at once.

Research shows that ALA may lower blood-sugar levels in normal, or non-diabetic, subjects as well as in those with diabetes, so it should be used with caution by anyone who tends to have very low blood sugar levels. In any case, you should discuss ALA use with your doctor before adding it to your daily regimen.

Early detection of symptoms is important
Studies have shown that most diabetics are unaware of neuropathy, and as many as three out of four diabetics may have symptoms that go undiagnosed by their doctors. The Department of Health advises all diabetics to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of neuropathy and talk to their doctors about the dangers of this condition.

Neuropathy symptoms include numbness in the extremities, prickly or burning pains, tightness of the skin, hypersensitivity to touch, impaired coordination, balance problems, difficulty climbing stairs or difficulty getting up from a sitting position, urinary urgency, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux and lightheadedness. Foot problems are common so if you develop an ulcer or sore get it treated as soon as possible.

I'll be keeping an eye out for the results of the University of Michigan antioxidant research. In the meantime, if you experience any of the symptoms above make an appointment with your doctor.