I am a diabetic. I'm also the healthiest guy of my age that I know.
Sounds weird right?

I was crushed when I was diagnosed, but I lost the weight that I needed to, I exercise a lot though just hard yard work and being physical, and I take my meds. But most importantly, I follow the diet guidelines.
It's not as hard as you think, but there are lifestyle changes. The biggest is that you'll have to give up fast food. Eat fresh, eat whole grains, eat veggies. Weight Watches is what I do, not because I need to lose weight but because it is a healthy, diabetes friendly diet (and my wife works there).
You don't have to give up sweets because of substitutes now on the market.

It's not the end of the world if you take it seriously and for heavens sake don't cheat. I know a lot of people who think they can cheat and they end up with the very real and inescapable results....loss of vision, loss of feeling in extremities, and eventually lost of legs.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Do what your doctor says. No cheating and you will end up healthier in the long run.
I started out with a blood sugar of 425. Now mine is better than my 30 something doctor.

It's a change in how you live. Not the end of life. You can work this to your advantage. I often say that this was for me, a blessing in disguise.
Pm me if you have any specific questions.