Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring substance found within the cells of the body. It is an antioxidant that helps turn glucose into energy and fights free radicals in the body, protecting against damage and possibly diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer
. Alpha-lipoic acid can be taken as a dietary supplement and is sometimes used to manage and treat chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as diabetic neuropathy.However, taking alpha-lipoic acid along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low, resulting in hypoglycemia. Therefore, people with diabetes or low blood sugar should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their healthcare provider. Alpha-lipoic acid may also cause a condition known as insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS), which can result in low blood sugar in individuals with a specific genetic variation. The cases of hypoglycemia resolved once the alpha-lipoic acid was stopped.There are 29 drugs known to interact with alpha-lipoic acid, including acarbose, acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, insulin, metformin, pioglitazone, repaglinide, and tolbutamide. However, most of these interactions are minor. If you are currently being treated with any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking alpha-lipoic acid.In summary, taking alpha-lipoic acid with diabetes medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. People with diabetes or low blood sugar should take alpha-lipoic acid only under the supervision of their healthcare provider. If you are currently being treated with any medications, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking alpha-lipoic acid.
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