After reading about it, I wonder why it was not suggested by my doctor. I am willing to give it a try.

I get reports from a company and I used to print out the things they said about help with Diabetes. ALA has always had good reports with diabetics and neuropathy. I don't have the latter but I take it.
Hope unless you have a Doc that is into the reports about diabetes and improvements they don't usually suggest it. One, they don't get paid for telling you to take vitamins of any kind. Only the RX give them benies.

I know there are some very open minded Docs that do agree with some natural helps. They usually have someone in the family that has it!!! Funny but true...

This doc also does research and publishes ... I think he is on the ball.

Funny -- you may be right about a family member, hadn't thought of that.

I have been an Insulin Diabetic for 17 years. I tried prescription strength alpha lipoic acid for over a year and it did not help one bit.
I live in GE and my endocrinologist was very pessimistic that it would help but went along with my desire to take it. for awhile then he said I was wasting my money because insurance did not cover the cost.
If you think it helps you and you fell better taking it give it a shot; I do not think it will harm you but be sure your primary care provider is in agreement.
Paul

Paul,

I am sorry it did not help.

It is too soon to really evaluate its effectiveness for me.

I have read some good things, the doc believes in it and it has a number of positive health benefits besides those associated with neuropathy.

We shall see.

So far, I have been able to find it online (I look for GMP certification with supplement makers) at reasonable cost.

How does one study marijuana against a placebo???

In an case, I do not believe marijuana is good medicine -- I believe people like to get high and are seeking reasons for the Draconian laws about marijuana to be changed. It makes for bad science when there are politics involved ... be it an herb or the latest Big Pharma offering.

The truth is that, for some percentage of users, marijuana is not at all well tolerated -- as with any other substance. And, let's be honest, given the choice between trying to function high and mild neuropathic pain, I'll take my chances with the mild pain ... it is simply not an option for me as a former abuser of alcohol and drugs -- I gave away my right to get a little zooted.

MARIJUANA IS BEING USED LEGALLY TO TREAT THE PAIN FROM CANCER AND I 100% AGREE WITH THAT. HOWEVER, I DONT BELIEVE IN JUST PRESCRIBING IT FOR EVERY LITTLE THING. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, THE WORLD WILL BE SMOKING IT FOR PLEASURE AGAIN.

I've been taking Alpha Lipoic Acid for several weeks now and my blood sugar levels are down. I'm also dieting so not sure of its effects. I've read some great things about it though.

Arline, People are smoking it for pleasure and they are making arguments for legalization by insisting that it is medicine for everything from the common cold to cancer to hemorrhoids to ingrown toenails. Name any human ailment and there is some pro-legalization group that needs it legalized for that ailment.

If their motives weren't so obviously transparent, I would not be so offended ... do they really think we are all that stupid? I smoked pot to get HIGH. I assumed there was nothing noble about it -- I just liked being stoned. As a 43 year old recovering alcoholic with health issues, being stoned is not an option for me. If the next person wants to -- go for it! But please do not tell me it is a treatment for every human ill.

Marijuana has become a religion. There is nothing on this planet that cures all human ills .. and to mask selfish desires with noble and lofty ideals is hypocritical, thus, insulting.

Lesa,

Thanks for getting us back on track!!!

Is it safe to say that the ALA is, at the very least, not hindering your progress?

It is safe to say that! I'm hoping it's helping...something is! I've made some radical changes to my diet too. It at least fits in with the lifestyle change,so I'm keeping it. I've lost 35 pounds now since Feb and feel so much better.

Andrew - I'm not saying marjiana cures anything but it supposedly helps with the pain cancer patients are suffering and if that's the case I agree with legalizing it for that and just that.

Arline,

Forgive the misunderstanding. I was agreeing with you. :-) But getting on a soapbox at the same time ... forgive me for getting on a rant, friends.

Lesa -- congrats on losing 35 pounds!

I'm on a careful diet as well and it s showing results. I am trying to exercise everyday -- unfortunately it has been a non-stop heat-wave and my feet are hurting, so I am limited to some light aerobics at home -- but I can lower my bg and ease neuropathic pain with 30-45 minutes of a good blood pumping workout.

Continued success!

Lesa, Kudos for you and the weight loss! that is great news and happy for you.
I seem to be struggling with this weight and I know I am not walking enough but can't seem to have the strength in my back yet! But not giving up!
Happy the ALA is working for you, I take it and think it helps.

Andrew -

Did your endo suggest a recommended dosage of the alpha lipoic acid?

I just realized that I bought a Diabetes Support Pack - Multivitamin & Mineral Supplements and it has 50mg's of ALA.

Thanks,
Hope

it looks like not only ALA, but a lot of other supplements can be beneficial for us: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20633024