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Can Alpha-lipoic Acid Be Taken For Diabetic Neuropathy?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Question: Dear Doctor,

I am writing this for my mother, she is 69 year old and, she has diabetic since 17 years, She is taking insulin twice a day ( 40 units ). Human mixtard. Also she is taking diabetic tablets twice a day, and tablets for Blood pressure (lossar 25) twice a day.also she is taking cholesterol tablets, she is unable to walk properly and no strength in her legs, Our consulting doctor informed us that she has diabetic neuropathy.My question is can she take Alpha-Lipoic Acid TABLETS, as I came to know that tablet will reduce the side effects of Diabetic neuropathy. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a antioxidant that can be used as supplement.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Noted your concern.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that can be used as nutritional supplement in the treatment of diabetic neuroapthy.
There is no evidence in clinical studies to show clear cut benefit of oral alpha lipoic acid supplement in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy over long time.
So it can be used as supplement as it has practically no side effects and tolerated well but benefit with its use may not be assured.

In your mother case there is a need for detailed clinical and neurological examination to know the type of neuropathy depending upon it further evaluation and treatment can be planned.
There are various types of medicines that can be used in different types of neuropathy.

In such cases I may have advised following tests-
- Complete Blood Count.
- Renal Function Test.
- Liver Function Test.
- Lipid Profile.
- HbA1c.
- Urine Albumin creatinine ratio.
- Vitamin B12.
- Vitamin D3.
- T3, T4, TSH.

Depending upon above test results and Neurological examination there may be need for Neurophysician consultation and further evaluation like MRI of spine or Nerve conduction study.

In general in Diabetic neuropathy it is advisable for good control of blood sugar levels, lipid profile & blood pressure.

Hope this helps you in taking appropriate decision in consultation with her treating doctor.

Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.
Diabetologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (13 hours later)

Thanks for Your Detailed Answer. Will do the test and come back to you with the results and for further followups.

Thanks
XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Abhay A Mali (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
I will be happy to answer your future queries.
You can directly ask me questions on following link. http://www.HealthcareMagic.com/doctors/dr-abhay-a-mali/69954

Regards,
Dr. Abhay Mali.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina