Type 2 diabetes: practical meal planning, social dining, glucose tracking

[Mason82]

I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and while my doctor gave me general guidelines, I'm feeling overwhelmed trying to translate them into daily life. I'm trying to manage my condition primarily through diet and exercise before starting medication. For others who have been successful with lifestyle management, what practical meal planning strategies worked for you without feeling overly restrictive? How do you handle social situations and dining out without derailing your blood sugar control? I'm also curious about effective ways to track my glucose levels at home to understand how different foods and activities affect me, and what resources or apps you found most helpful for building sustainable habits.