Objective:To investigate influence of antioxidant α-lipoic acid on oxidative stress, endothelin-1 and recovery of neuronal function in type 2 diabetic patients with hypoglycemic encephalopathy. Methods:A total of 60 type 2 diabetic patients with hypoglycemic encephalopathy were randomly divided to control group (n=30) and α-lipoic acid treatment group (n=30). The differences in malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were observed between the control group and the α-lipoic acid treatment group before and after treatment. Neurological impairment score was compared between the two groups. Results:The levels of MDA and ET-1 as well as the neurological impairment score were significantly decreased after α-lipoic acid treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas the level of SOD was significantly increased after α-lipoic acid treatment (P < 0.01). The levels of MDA and the neurological impairment score were significantly decreased in the control group after treatment (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, there were significant decreases in the levels of MDA And ET-1,neurological impairment score (P < 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), and the level of SOD (P < 0.05) in the α-lipoic acid group compared to the control group after treatment. Conclusion:α-lipoic acid can ameliorate hypoglycemic encephalopathy in type 2 diabetic patients by reducing oxidative stress and improving endothelial function.