Hi Op, I feel your pain. I was diagnosed with diabetes in July 22, I decided to reduced my carbs to 130g a day, I was told there are 2 thoughts when first diagnosed, either do something like the Newcastle Diet or the gradual reduction of carbs, I opted for the later as I wanted something I could stick to.
When I was diagnosed my HbA1C was 80, my visceral fat was 16 (excessive) my BMI 35, I had fatty liver and high choleterol (9.4) I weighed 14 stone 4 and wore size 24 clothes. Since 1st July I gave up smoking, and use the Nutra Check App, stick to 1200 calories a day and eat a lot of protein and green veg, I also still have chocolate but the 85% dark chocolate. I am now a size 10 and have lost almost 5 stone, my diabetes is in remission and I am never hungry (I was in the beginning but was frightened by the stories of what may happen and when my carbs were reduced, I stopped craving them)
A typical day for me is
Porridge, with semi skimmed milk, frozen cherries and I melt a square of dark chocolate in it, so it tastes like a black forest gateau, Although there are carbs in porridge I eat it to reduce my cholesterol and include it in my daily total allowance of carbs.
Lunch - Scrambled egg or an omelete with a green salad.
Dinner - Chicken with vegetables, gravy, or sometimes I have a curry with veg instead of rice, or vegan sausages with ratatouile,
I snack on nuts, greek yoghurt and sometimes cheese if my protein is low for the day.
My plates are always full, I have so much veg it really does fill me up.
I sometimes have a slice of wholemeal bread with peanut butter, I eat 1 potato with a roast dinner, I have discovered Yorkshire puddings dont raise my BG too, I tested my blood before and after eating, make sure you only test 2 hours after eating as even non diabetics will get a rise in BG before 2 hours, its as long as your majority of time is between 4 and 7 you will lower your overall risk.
There is an excellent diabetes UK forum which I post on regularly, the people are very kind and knowledgeable. There is a cooking thread with photos of low carb meals and loads of recipes to make your favourite meals with less carbs.
I am 57 and have spent the last 10 years getting fatter and living off lots of carbs, I thought I wouldnt manage it but it was the wake up call I needed.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to chat