Abstract

Introduction: Majority of diabetic patients eventually develop hypertension. Becase of its antioxidative properties, alpha-lipoic acid plays an effective role in decreasing oxidative stress and preventing endothelium dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of alpha-lipoic acid on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Materials & Methods: Fifty-seven type 2 diabetic patients (14 male and 43 female), mean age 53.5 years, were enrolled in this study. Upon arrival subjects were randomly divided into either the experimental (n=29) or control (n=28) groups. The experimental group received 300 mg alpha-lipoic acid daily for eight weeks, while the control group received a placebo for eight weeks. Blood pressure and 24 hours diet recall were measured at the beginning of the study and every two weeks after that. Results: The results of the study showed a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures at the end of study in the alpha lipoic acid group compared to their initial values (p<0/0001), and to the control group (p=0/001). Conclusion: This study suggests that alpha-lipoic acid supplements can be recommended for type 2 diabetic patients to prevent high blood pressure.