Alpha-lipoic acid is sometimes called lipoic acid. Several studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) helps lower blood sugar levels. Its ability to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, who have pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness in arms and legs from nerve damage. “High blood glucose levels and insulin resistance can provoke a higher production of free radicals/oxidative damage in the body, which can deteriorate your health more rapidly. Therefore, by loading up your body full of cleansing antioxidants (like ALA) you can hopefully reduce the complications of diabetes and even manage your blood sugar better.”

Alpha-lipoic acid is most commonly taken by mouth for diabetes and nerve-related symptoms of diabetes, including burning, pain, and numbness in the legs and arms. A few studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid supplements may enhance the body’s ability to use its own insulin to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. For maximum absorption, the supplements should be taken on an empty stomach.

References

Golbidi, Saeid; Mohammad Badran; and Ismail Laher. “Diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid,” Front Pharmacol. 2011; 2: 69. Published online 2011 Nov 17. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2011.00069. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221300/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Levy, Jillian, CHHC. “Alpha Lipoic Acid: Improve Insulin Sensitivity & Fight Diabetes,” Dr. Axe (November 24, 2015). https://draxe.com/alpha-lipoic-acid/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Jedha, Nutritionist. “Tremendous Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes,” Diabetes Meal Plans, n.d. https://diabetesmealplans.com/11066/alpha-lipoic-acid-for-diabetes/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).

ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-767-alpha-lipoic%20acid.aspx

Alpha Lipoic Acid: This Antioxidant Can Smash Insulin Resistance and Autoimmune Disease
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/16/this-antioxidant-can-smash-insulin-resistance-and-autoimmune-disease.aspx

Diabetes and Alpha Lipoic Acid
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221300/

Tremendous Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid for Diabetes
High blood glucose levels and insulin resistance can provoke a higher production of free radicals/ oxidative damage in the body, which can deteriorate your health more rapidly also. Therefore, by loading up your body full of cleansing antioxidants (like ALA) you can hopefully reduce the complications of diabetes and even manage your blood sugar better.
https://diabetesmealplans.com/11066/alpha-lipoic-acid-for-diabetes/