Dog Blind from Diabetes, How to Treat with Diet and Herbs

My friend Jane has a one year old lab. She retained this pup because she was blind and could not be sold. This dog was hit by a car in her own yard last week when she sustained a fractured hip. While at the vets, they discovered the dog had diabetes. The vet told her this is why she is blind. If she is able to get her sugar levels where they should be she would gain some of her sight.
My friend is concerned she would not be able to afford the medicine she will need for her diabetes. My question is, is there a herbal treatment for this that would cost less then the meds she would need to purchase from a veterinarian?

Diabetes in dogs (as well as humans) is a condition that is usually controlled through diet as well as sugar balancing herbs. Nutritional information can be found in the works of Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst where the merits of a good, home-made diet are discussed. As far as herbs go and assuming your friend's dog is not yet on any medication, the re-balance of blood sugar is a complex business and one that should be monitored by a qualified professional who has experience with both animals and herbs. Such a practitioner can be found through the website of the Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (www.vbma.org).
The cost of the diet as per the recommended books is up to your friend. The cost of herbs can vary; your friend will need to speak with a practitioner to determine the amount.
Please also see the posting on the website (www.richters.com) entitled "Dog and Diabetes" and "Diabetes in Dogs".