In Germany Lipoic Acid is approved as a drug for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Its therapeutic effects
appear to be mediated through its antioxidant effects. However, it has also been shown to improve blood glucose
metabolism, reduce glycosylation of amino acids (i.e. hemoglobin glycosylation), improve blood flow to peripheral
nerves and stimulate regeneration of nerve fibers in diabetic subjects. Lipoic Acid enhances insulin sensitivity in
diabetics, which explains its beneficial ef ects on blood glucose regulation and reduced blood amino acid
glycosylation.
For diabetic neuropathy studies reveal that combining 600 mg of Lipoic Acid daily, with 100 mcg of selenium, or
1,200 I.U. of vitamin E, produced significant results over the placebo.4-9