I certainly don't want to dispel the risk. However, the worry of hypoglycemic coma may carry it too far as the effects of ALA on insulin peaks out at the 600-800 mg per day dose. That does not explain whether there is an inherent blood glucose lowering effect with a higher dose, the purported anti-glycation effect that some like me maintain high doses can create. However, I will say this, the notion that hypoglycemia can occur is supported by the fact that, as a general rule, ketosis is more easily achieved and maintained with a higher dose. This raises the question: Where are the carbs going?
We can assume that the extra carbs are not being stored as bodyfat. We can also assume that they are not being readily converted to blood glucose. However, we must assume from experience of others that there is what some here refer to as a partitioning effect. This may create a lower blood glucose level in the body although by a different mechanism than the 600-800 mg per day range would effect.
With that being said I've found that there are a few people who have symptoms of hypoglycemia that likely have one of the following things in common:
--low bodyfat to begin with
--just started using ALA and immediately use high doses
--do an inordinate amount of cardio exercise
--history of blood sugar imbalance or other diseases
For those already on low carb diets, there may not be a need to do high dose ALA, since you're already in ketosis. However, ketosis itself is supplying a steady supply of blood glucose. Whether this supply is affected by ALA supplementation is theoretical. Perhaps yes. If it is, then it is very possible that you can go hypoglycemic.
The key in my opinion is to do an ALA high dose with a ramp up time. Get used to the large dose by increasing slowly. When you know you can handle it, then you may begin to experiment with a couple hundred mg on empty stomach. First sign of lethargy or tiredness, eat some sugar and do not do it again.
We can assume that the extra carbs are not being stored as bodyfat. We can also assume that they are not being readily converted to blood glucose. However, we must assume from experience of others that there is what some here refer to as a partitioning effect. This may create a lower blood glucose level in the body although by a different mechanism than the 600-800 mg per day range would effect.
With that being said I've found that there are a few people who have symptoms of hypoglycemia that likely have one of the following things in common:
--low bodyfat to begin with
--just started using ALA and immediately use high doses
--do an inordinate amount of cardio exercise
--history of blood sugar imbalance or other diseases
For those already on low carb diets, there may not be a need to do high dose ALA, since you're already in ketosis. However, ketosis itself is supplying a steady supply of blood glucose. Whether this supply is affected by ALA supplementation is theoretical. Perhaps yes. If it is, then it is very possible that you can go hypoglycemic.
The key in my opinion is to do an ALA high dose with a ramp up time. Get used to the large dose by increasing slowly. When you know you can handle it, then you may begin to experiment with a couple hundred mg on empty stomach. First sign of lethargy or tiredness, eat some sugar and do not do it again.