Although I’ve had diabetes for over 30 years, fortunately I don’t have any serious complications. My eyes are fine, my “frozen shoulder” is gone, but recently I started feeling mild tingling in my legs. As if someone were lightly tickling me in the evenings, or even causing a slight burning sensation in my feet. After doing some research and digging through the literature, I realized that I had reached the early stage of peripheral neuropathy.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
It is the most common diabetes complication affecting the nerves, usually in the legs. Some of the symptoms include nighttime pain, muscle cramps, burning in the legs and feet, increased sensitivity to touch, reduced sensitivity of the feet to heat and cold, and dry skin.
How to help yourself with peripheral neuropathy?
Most importantly, improve your diabetes control as soon as possible. Dietary changes, physical activity, insulin adjustments or other therapies will help reduce glucose fluctuations and improve HbA1c or TIR. But we already know all of this — and we also know it’s not always easy…
Alpha-Lipoic Acid and My Experience
A growing number of diabetologists have either read somewhere or heard from their patients that alpha-lipoic acid can help with diabetic neuropathy — not only for prevention but also to reduce existing symptoms.
That’s how the information about the potential benefits of alpha-lipoic acid reached me, and I’m glad I started taking it regularly. In my case, the tingling in my legs completely disappeared. I wasn’t dealing with advanced complications, but the “small” discomfort I did have — vanished.
How much alpha-lipoic acid should you take?
Alpha-lipoic acid can be taken for a very long time, and it’s possible you won’t see the desired effect simply because you’re taking too small a dose. Too many people take alpha-lipoic acid in insufficient amounts, so don’t make the same mistake. If you are an adult with diabetes, it’s very important to be aware of the recommended daily dose — at least 600 mg!
My Experience with Alpha-Lipoic Acid
I started taking alpha-lipoic acid a little less than a year ago, and after some time the discomfort in my feet went away. It really worked — the burning sensation in my feet is still gone 😊
It’s good to know that some alpha-lipoic acid tablets are harder on the stomach. If that happens, try taking them after a meal or switch to another manufacturer.
What Else Helps Reduce Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms?
Besides better glucose control and taking alpha-lipoic acid, there are additional methods that may help reduce neuropathy-related discomfort. These include targeted foot muscle exercises and various physical therapy techniques.
Other available options include hyperbaric oxygen therapy and carbon dioxide treatment (peripheral vascular rehabilitation) in special bags. However, if you haven’t yet developed serious neuropathy or want to prevent it, alpha-lipoic acid tablets are definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
Based on my own experience, I believe every person with diabetes who has the described foot symptoms should give alpha-lipoic acid a chance. It’s also good for those who currently have no symptoms but want to invest in prevention and reduce the chances of developing these problems.
Wish us all the best.
