Send your friend to the American Diabetes Assn web site...it has all kinds of information and advice and recipes, etc.
http://www.diabetes.org
And tell her that the key is to eat smart, eat healthy, eat balanced, learn to try new foods, have a protein or dairy with each of 3 meals and an evening snack (no-sugar puddings, yogurt, etc. are good ones)...and avoid or limit processed carbs (i.e., breads, pastas, cakes and cookies)...and get in some exercise (walking is just fine).
My mom was a 2-shot a day insulin diabetic for 20 years and never got her sugar under control, and passed away at age 70...her mom lived til she was 89, so we can't say it was her genes. I'm an idiot; I've had a diagnosed sugar problem (low blood sugar) since my early 20's, yo-yo dieted just like mom, and only in the last two years have tried to get things under control. WW is a savior. I'm 48, but it's never too late to learn and help yourself.
My staff once gave me a basket of cheer when it was my birthday! nuts, cheeses, packets of diet pudding, etc. ... instead of cake! And flowers.
I say, it's great! Help your friend and go healthy!