Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are four major types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes, which results from the body's failure to produce insulin.

2. Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent and generally occurs in adults; it results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency.
3. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women.
4. Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Beta-glucan, a water soluble fiber from oats, can delay food absorption and thereby reduce peak after meal plasma glucose and stabilize blood sugar. Low levels of the mineral chromium are common characteristic of diabetes. Some evidence suggests that taking chromium is beneficial to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Silymarin in milk thistle seems to decrease insulin resistance, and reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in patients with diabetes. Low levels of magnesium are commonly seen in people with diabetes. Some studies have suggested that low magnesium levels may contribute to diabetes complications and make glucose control more difficult in patients with Type 2 diabetes by interrupting insulin secretion in the pancreas and increasing insulin resistance.Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder with devastating long-term consequences. Dietary supplements may offer an alternative to help control blood glucose. Individuals who consider taking these supplements should inform their health care provider.