juve, I have not tried r-ala, but there is a reasonable amount of research out there that suggest it definately increases insulin sensitivity, and this effect is more pronounced that a racemix ala (standard ala). It may be worth trying if you have the extra $$$ to spare. Currently my budget is tight, because I'm in school full time now. My grocery bill alone is outragous sometimes, and I buy bulk and am selective in what I buy and where I buy it to keep cost down. As a result I tend to rely heavily on drugs, rather than suppliments, and use the most cost-effective one's for achieving my goals.