| Hi Evan,
I think it's sweet of you and admirable to want to be involved in your g/f's diabetes care and routine.
As the widow of a Type 1 (my husband died suddenly of pneumonia last year) and mother of a Type 1 child (our 12 y.o. daughter was diagnosed with diabetes just before she turned 9), I, like you, am viewing diabetes from the perspective of a very concerned outsider.
You didn't mention how long your girlfriend has had diabetes, what her insulin regimen is (shots? pump?), and how strict her control is. Does she carb-count? Does she want help with her diabetes, or is she used to doing everything on her own? If you advise her, will she feel you're coming across as a concerned partner, or as a warden? (That last question depends on her personality and yours.)
When I first met my husband 18 years ago, he had been taking care of his diabetes on his own for a long time. It was only after about a year into our relationship that I got involved with his blood sugar readings (after he had an episode of near-DKA). He still -- till the day he died -- did all his own meter readings, all his own insulin calculations, and all his own shots.
It was only after our daughter was diagnosed that I really read up on Type 1 and learned to do blood tests, calculate insulin, and give injections.
As far as cooking goes, I try to serve healthy meals (with an emphasis on low-fat protein, vegetables, some fruits, and whole grains) but do not use "diabetic" recipes per se. I do have a few dessert recipes made with Splenda (which works very well in cheesecake!). Any recipe that lists carb counts can be helpful -- or get yourself a good book on counting carbohydrates, if your g/f doesn't have one already. Genie gave you great advice on foods.
My husband very much resented it if I tried to control his diet through "reminders" (which he considered nagging!) that such-and-such was too high in carbs. I never had to remind him to bolus or asked what his numbers were; when he became comfortable discussing his diabetes with me, he'd talk aloud as he was doing his blood tests and calculating his insulin.
I very strongly recommend that you learn to recognize symptoms of highs and especially lows in your g/f. (They're not the same for everyone.) Symptoms of lows can include shakiness, feelings of being weak-kneed, cold sweats, and mental confusion. Be ready with glucose tablets or other quick-acting sugar (which your g/f should carry with her all the time, and it wouldn't hurt for you to carry some, too, and/or keep some in the glove compartment if you have a car), or offer a half-glass of fruit juice or sugary soda or a full glass of milk. When my husband and I were out or traveling, I could tell he was going low if he became indecisive about where to eat/where to go, etc. At that point, it was important to just get some food into him!
Highs are more difficult for others to recognize, but often include unquenchable thirst (if my daughter is drinking a lot of water or Crystal Light, I gently suggest that she test her blood sugar), headache, stomach ache, and crankiness.
Let me think some more on this, and meanwhile ask away with other questions!
Suzy  | 
