My 71 year old friend (who lives far away) got diabetes about seven months ago needs to lose weight, and at times has very high or very low numbers, so I am very concerned about him. He takes pills and does do his treadmill, but I don’t think he eats properly or that the doctor has given him a specific diet (if so he hasn’t told me). I would like to help him, but I really don’t know enough about diabetes. Do you think going to a support group would be informative for him? What suggestions to you have for me to help him get better control of this, or to eliminate it all together? Is that possible?

Your concern for your friend is good. Right now, there is no cure for diabetes, but it can often be controlled. It is great he is using his treadmill on a regular basis, and I would applaud him for that as it will help to reduce his blood sugars and help him to lose weight.

A support group can be very helpful and informative. I would recommend one for him. In addition, you might find one helpful as well to learn more about diabetes and how other people experience and cope with it. You might contact your local American Diabetes Association affiliate for listings.

I would also suggest that he contact a Certified Diabetes Educator who can help him to understand the disease better and to help with a treatment plan. The dietary guidelines should be individualized and it would be helpful to have him discuss this with a dietitian. Your friend can contact the American Association of Diabetes Educators at 1-800-TEAM�UP�4 for a listing of those in his area.

Thanks for your concern for your friend. A big part of what you can do is to help motivate him to make changes.

TB