Alpha Lipoic Acid and Diabetes Mellitus: Potential Effects on Peripheral Neuropathy

Alpha Lipoic Acid and Diabetes Mellitus: Potential Effects on Peripheral Neuropathy and Different Metabolic Parameters

Patients with type 2 DM who are following will be enrolled into the study. Two visits were scheduled for data collection, physical examination and laboratory testing of the patients: the first prior to initiation of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) administration (baseline visit) and the second at the end of the third month following initiation of ALA (2nd visit).

This prospective, Interventional study will be conducted at Benha university hospital for 3 months. Patients with type 2 DM who are following at the outpatient internal medicine & diabetes Clinics in Benha Univeristy Hospital and are eligible to participate, will be enrolled into the study. Inclusion criteria comprise the following(1) patient's agreement to participate; (2) diabetic peripheral neuropathy diagnosis (3) treatment with alpha lipolic acid (ALA), had to be stable for 3 months during the study.

Two visits were scheduled for data collection, physical examination and laboratory testing of the patients: the first prior to initiation of ALA administration (baseline visit) and the second at the end of the third month following initiation of ALA (2nd visit).

evaluation include:

1. full neurological evaluation including motor, sensory, ankle reflex, Tests for cardiac parasympathetic action
2. nerve conduction study
3. neuromuscular ultrasound
4. HbA1C 5- HDL-C& LDL-C

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient's agreement to participate
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Causes of neuropathy other than diabetes
• Severe renal disease
• Recent treatment for cancer or haematological malignancies;
• Presence of foot ulcers;
• Peripheral arterial disease ;
• Use of agents in the previous 3 months that could interfere with the interpretation of results, such as opiates, vitamin B compounds or antioxidants;
• Pregnancy
• Lactation