Alpha lipoic acid is frequently mentioned in connection with diabetes. Studies have connected alpha lipoic acid with improvements in blood sugar control. I have heard two different reports on this, and they may conflict somewhat, so try it at your own risk, and monitor the results carefully.

One series of reports connects this supplement with lower blood sugar levels. It is suggested that it reduces insulin resistance.

Another source suggested that it also lowered insulin production. I am not sure about this particular source, or why it would seem to contradict other sources. While it is possible for a single supplement to have effects on both over and under production of insulin, that report did not suggest that, only that it prevented over-production of insulin. I mention it because it confused the issue some for me, since all the other sources listed lower blood sugar levels, or reduced insulin resistance as the primary benefits. And while a reduction in insulin resistance WILL reduce the need for overproducing insulin, it was not stated in that way.

I have tried this, and it did not seem to have any effect at all on me. I suspect that it might be most useful for people with early Type II diabetes, but ineffective where long standing insulin insufficiency exists, with or without insulin resistance. It did not seem to cause any side effects, with the exception of giving me indigestion once when I took it alongside cinnamon.

This supplement is often combined with biotin, and with a few other supplements as a blend. I do not recommend using it in a blend though unless you know what each element in the blend will do to you first.