Diabetes has two forms. In the type that developes early in childhood (type1), the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas are destroyed (probably by a viral infection), and blood levels of insulin drop nearly to zero. However, in the adult-onset form (type2), insulin is often plentiful, but the body does not respond normally to it (This is only an approximate description of the difference between the two types.). In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar reaches toxic levels, causing injury to many organs and tissues. Conventional treatment for childhood-onset diabetes includes insulin injections and careful dietary monitoring. The adult-onset form may respond to lifestyle changes alone, such as increasing execise, losing weight, and improving diet. Various oral medications are also often effective for adult-onset diabetes, although insulin injections may be necessary in some cases.

Principal natural treatments
Several alternative methods may be helpful when used under medical supervision as an addition to standard treatment. They may help stablize, reduce, or eliminate medication requirenments; reduce the symptoms of diabetic complications; or correct nutritional deficiences associated with diabetes. However, because diabetes is a dangerous disease with many potential complications, alternative treatment fo diabetes should not be attempted as a substitute for conventional medical care.
Treatments for improving blood sugar control:
The following treatments may be able to improve blood sugar control in type 1 and/or type 2 diabetes. However, keep in mind that if they work, you will need to reduce your medications to avoid hypoglycemia. For this reason, medical supervision is essential.

Chromium: helpful in type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Fenugreek: appears to be helpful
Gymnema: preliminary evidence suggests it is effective
Ginseng: promising new evidence.