Alpha lipoic acid and blood sugar levels

Anyone know if alpha lipoic acid lowers blood sugar levels on a normal diet to the point where symptoms of low blood sugar set in? I always seem to feel weird when I take it. Also does alpha lipoic acid help the body improve it’s own insulin sensitivity or does it mimick insulin (like vanadyl sulfate)? And what type of response would an individual with excellent insulin sensitivity get from this supplement vs one with poor insulin sensitivity?

Took some ALA today and felt very strange. Definite visual enhancement…everything seemed brighter and colors more vivid. Are we the only ones getting strange effects from ALA?

I think it is better as an anti-oxidant than anything. Bill Phillips once warned it is so strong “you may feel it.” I know a lot of people who have used ALA and never felt a damn thing. It improves insulin sensitivity. It increases glucose uptake into the muscle cell. I would find it hard to say it works like Insulin since: 1) It won’t lower blood sugar & 2) while it increaes the muscles ability take in glucose it does not increase the fat cells glucose uptake-insulin would do both. I think its an okay supplement. Good for all but better for those who really need to INCREASE insulin sensitivity. (IE those with poor IS)

I am currently taking 600mg/day, and I don’t feel ANY different. I am pretty sensitive to blood sugar levels, so I haven’t noticed anything like that.

Man this is an old post!!

I’ve been taking ALA for a few weeks now, and haven’t noticed a ‘weird’ feeling. One thing I have noticed though, I’ve been taking both ALA and CLA (the only supps I’m currently taking besides creatine) for a few weeks and I’ve leaned out. Haven’t altered my caloric intake (maintenance) or my workout, with the exception of 20 minutes of life cycle at the end of my work out four nights a week. I’ve lost about 6 pounds during this time period. Anyone else notice a leaning out effect from ALA, CLA?