Pilot Study on the Effect of Oral Controlled-Release Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Oxidative Stress in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Summary

The long-term effects of high blood sugar include blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage that can ultimately cause loss of limbs. Research has shown that high blood sugar increases the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in diabetics, and that the increase in ROS causes damage to eyes, kidneys, and nerves by a process called "oxidative stress." We postulate that alpha-lipoic acid, a potent anti-oxidant, can stop ROS from forming, thereby preventing long-term complications in diabetes. In this pilot study, we will be giving 30 teenagers with type 1 diabetes (T1D) controlled-release alpha-lipoic acid for 3 months, and comparing the amount of oxidative stress before and after treatment. Ten teenagers with T1D will receive placebo instead of alpha-lipoic acid and undergo the same research protocol to aid in validation of outcome measures.

Timeline

Start

2004-08

Primary completion

—

Completion

2005-10

Drugs

Indications