I'm sure Shelley will give a comprehensive answer, but I have something in mind your friend might like to consider ...
Coconut oil - not only does it help balance blood sugar, but also helps you loose weight effortlessly by speeding up the metabolism. In fact there is a whole yahoo groups devoted to coconut oil, and another one devoted to people losing weight on it.
I would advise a few tablespoons a day - its great added to Shelley's protein drink recipe.