Hello Dan:
I'm not sure why you are feeling guilty but throw that guilt away.
You don't need it. You are starting on a more healthy Life and that is more important.
I was young and my Dr. back then(bless his heart)didn't tell me anything about Diabetes. He told my Mom some things about Diabetes. It wasn't a popular disease back then and much was unknown.
I know what you are talking about. I did hear what
would supposedly happen to me until age 30. Then death.

This info was told to me at around age 8 by some "well-meaning Folks".
Well, I still have all my parts, I can see Fine except I wear glasses for reading and I'm pretty sure that I'm still alive.

So, if you're willing to put your Best into it
most of the time, your Kids will be married and having their own so you can Baby-sit them.
I hope that you are
testing and keeping a log of it. Show it to Your Dr. so he can see how you are doing. It's a Good idea for Diabetics to test when they
wake up, before they eat breakfast, lunch and supper, 2 hrs. after each meal and at bedtime. Also if they feel Very tired, weak, dizzy, sweaty, can't think straight, unusually irritable, etc. Also if they are ill since sugars rises in this situation usually. After they figure out what's working for them and have a decent regime then Type 2's can test about 3-4 times a day.
Some Doctors don't think Type 2's need to test much but how else are you supposed to know how your sugar levels are or how foods or activities affect you more?
Anyways, just take it slow. I hope that you will not be overwhelmed by too much info. And please ask if you have
any questions.
Many Good words from Cathy, Richard, and Ricky.