Diabetics CAN have sugar, they just need to compensate for it. Sugar is a carbohydrate and carbohydrates are what makes a diabetics blood sugar rise the fastest.

So when you are looking for recipes, you really don't need to eliminate the sugar, just the salt now. There are some salt substitutes that your dad might find palatable.

Your dad should consult a nutritionist so they can plot out a manageable diet - let him know how many grams of carbs he should have at each meal.

I'm glad that the natural health alternative has worked for your dad and your friends, but please don't shun traditional doctors. You need to recognize the difference between anecdotal evidence and actual double blind scientific studies.