600 mg alpha lipoic acid for my type 2 diabetic husband with neuropathy

by Linda Stevens

QUESTION: My husband has Diabetes 2. Due to fact that he was not diagnosed soon enough, he suffered from neuropathy in legs and feet, with sharp pains and numbness.

Neurologist suggested taking sublingual (under tongue) B-12 tablets, which helped some. Then, I learned from health store owner that he should be taking alpha lipoic acid, 600 mg therapeutic dosage. Heals nerves and protective nerve shields.

It was like a miracle!! No more numbness, no more sharp pains. We told a friend with same leg/foot problem about it and it did the same miracle for him and more. In 48 hours, he began to have feeling in legs.

It increased the range of motion in his arm and gave him a lot more energy. We are believers. Have you heard of this before?

Linda Stevens


ANSWER: Hi Linda,

It is true that the alpa-lipoic acid may improve the condition of patients with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes. You have to know that this kind of treatment was firstly used in Germany several years ago.

The result of this treatment encouraged further studies, which are showing the same result - improvement of the condition in patients with peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes.

Interesting fact is that alpha lipoic acids is normally produced in the human organism, but exist many theories explaining how this this works in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

One of them states that this acid is able to neutralize the free radicals formed in the organism and especially those radicals, which are damaging the structure of the nerve. However, this is just a theory, which is not proven yet.

Other thing, which I wanted to share with you, is that the health-store owner told you the exact dosage, which is between 600-800 mg. However, it is even better that he told you to take 600mg and not 800, because 800mg of alpha lipoic acids is used in the advanced stage of this condition.

In purpose to extend your knowledge about alpha lipoic acid, I

will mention that it is able to reduce the risk of stroke, which is common condition in patients with diabetes.

In addition, you have to know that sometimes, this drug along with the drugs used for diabetes type 2, might cause reduction in the blood glucose concentration (hypoglycemia).

I’m sure that you know what is hypoglycemia and towards what it may lead, so in purpose to prevent it, I will ask you to be sure that your husband is taking something sweet everywhere with him. In this way, when he start feeling dizziness and sweating he has to put a piece of chocolate under his tongue. This act will increase his blood glucose level and everything is going to be perfect.

At the end, my advice for you is to continue with the good work and everything is going to be ok.

Hope it helped!

Dr.Alba



QUESTION By Raj: Hi Guys i sometimes feel so lazy and lethargic that i have lie down for sometime and when i lie down i can hear the sounds but do not have the power to respond. But when i wake up i feel like sleeping for full night and absolutely fresh.

At times i have checked the sugar levels they are sometimes above or near to normal. I want to know what is this situation called in medical terms.

When i have my full meal i also feel little tired for sure after an hour or so if i take rest for sometime i become fresh.

pl suggest


ANSWER: Hi Raj,

There are several conditions related to your symptoms, including hormonal or neurological ones. However, further medical examinations are needed to conclude the right diagnosis.

Furthermore, your diet and foods you eat can also cause such symptoms. Therefore, my suggestion is to eat small portions and more often in order to reduce such symptoms.

Then, you can exclude certain foods (e.g., processed or foods high in calories, etc.), and include more fruits and vegetables, or freshly prepared meals, etc.

All the best!

Dr.Alba

What to do when you have type 2 diabetes and your leg hurts ?

by James
(Florida)

QUESTION: My leg has been hurting for some while now i have type two diabetes and i was wondering what can i do to stop the pain and also can there possibly be no blood circulating in my leg?


ANSWER: Hi there,

First of all, I have to tell you that the pain is not a symptom indicating that there is no blood circulating in your leg.

You don’t have to worry, because when you are able to move your leg and when you are feeling pain, or touch, everything is ok with your circulation.

Besides this, the lack of blood in your leg is going to be presented with changes in the leg’s color (appearing in the skin).

With regards to the pain in your leg, you can take a pain killer like aspirin, ibuprofen or diclophenac.

Next, I will ask you to visit your doctor, because sometimes the pain in the leg is typical for diabetic neuropathy. This condition is not something terrible, but it has to be confirmed by a doctor.

In addition, I have to tell you that there is a treatment of this condition - alpha-lipoic acid. However, only your doctor is able to put you on this treatment, which means that you have to speak with him.

Other thing, which I have to tell you, is that if it is a matter of diabetic neuropathy, you are not controlling your diabetes well. So, speak with your doctor about therapy adjustments, diet, exercises and herbs usage.

On the other hand, the pain in the leg is not only a symptom of diabetic neuropathy. Sometimes, severe trauma of your leg in the past can cause a pain in the present.

Besides this, if you are not wearing comfortable shoes, you will feel pain again. So, in purpose to understand what is causing the pain in the leg, speak with your doctor.

Tell him/her when start the pain, is the pain harder when you are working and if the pain is forcing you to stop walking for a while. The answers of those questions are going to show him the possible diagnose.

Hope it helped!

Dr.Alba



Swelling and Pain in legs
by: Susan T.

QUESTION: I have normal blood sugar but cannot lose weight on a 1300 calorie per day diet. It took me 1 yr. to lose just 20 lbs. and now it has been 3 months and I have only lost 2 lbs. I'm losing lots of fat but no weight.

My legs swell about 4x per day so I have found ice packs that surround my legs to be very helpful. Still after one hour I must sit down.

Can something in my diet help me lose weight and why are my legs swelling? I have never had this problem before.

Thank you!



ANSWER: Hi Susan,

There are many factors contributing to swelling and pain in your legs. They include certain hormonal problems.

With regards to diabetes; it cannot cause such swollen legs itself. However, as diabetes leads to many body organs problems; some of which can cause swelling and pain in the legs.

Therefore, it is compulsory for you to talk with your doctor to determine the right diagnoses and factor in your case.

All the best!

Dr.Alba