Alpha-lipoic acid reduces body weight and regulates triglycerides in obese patients with diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
To determine an influence of alpha-lipoic acid to reduction of body weight and regulation of total cholesterol concentration, triglycerides and glucose serum levels in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.


METHODS
A prospective study includes two groups of obese patients with diabetes mellitus and signs of peripheral polyneuropathia: examined group (30 patients; 15 females and 15 males), and control group (30 patients; 12 females and 18 males). All were treated with metformin (850-1700 mg/day). Examined patients were additionally treated with alpha-lipoic acid 600 mg/day during 20 weeks. Body mass index and concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose in serum were compared before and after the treatment.


RESULTS
The group treated with 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid lost significantly more weight, and had lower triglyceride level than the control group. There were no significant differences in total cholesterol and glucose serum levels between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid of 600 mg/day treatment have influenced weight and triglycerides loss in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. It should be considered as an important additive therapy in obese patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.
Health Centre Tešanj, Department for Internal and Lung Diseases of General Hospital Tešanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Azra
A
Okanović
Department for Internal and Lung Diseases of General Hospital Tešanj, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy; University Sarajevo, Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Besim
B
Prnjavorac
Polyclinic for Pulmonary Diseases of Health and Educational Institution "Dr. Mustafa Šehović" Tuzla; Medical School of University in Tuzla Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Edin
E
Jusufović
Department for Internal and Lung Diseases of General Hospital Tešanj; Faculty of Health Care, University in Zenica Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Rifat
R
Sejdinović
D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D008063:Thioctic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D014280:Triglycerides; D008063:Thioctic Acid; D008687:Metformin; D002784:Cholesterol
body mass index; lipid status; serum glucose