Efficacy of Using Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplement in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: In the 21st century, diabetes mellitus and its complications have become the most common health-care problem. The most common complication is diabetic neuropathy. Many drugs were tried to alleviate the neurological symptoms, whereas Alpha-lipoic acid has proven its effectiveness.Aim: we aim in our study to assess the efficacy of Alpha-lipoic acid versus other lines in diabetic patients complicated with neuropathy.Methods: We searched online databases such as (PubMed, Scopus, WOS, and Cochrane Library) for related randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Retrieved articles were screened, and relevant studies were included in a meta-analysis. Continuous data were pooled as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and dichotomous data were pooled as relative risk (RR) and 95% CI. Analysis was conducted using RevMan software (Version 5.4). Our primary outcome was the alleviation of neurological symptoms, while the 2ry outcome was the occurrence of adverse events.Results: four RCTs (358 cases) were included. ALA treatment produced favorable results for TSS (a dose-related trend was observed), NDS. ALA treatment resulted in a dose-dependent response relative to the placebo for TSS and the global satisfaction score. The use of ALA to prevent neurological symptoms should be further researched.Conclusion: Alpha-lipoic acid has a satisfactory effect on neurological symptoms, there was a marked decrease in sensory symptoms.