My doctor hasn't suggested any testing meters or anything like that. I was told to take meds 2000mgs a day (2 pills) and balance carbs with protein. It had been almost two months and I haven't quite figured that out yet. I have been cutting back on carbs which seems to be very hard to do.
It IS hard to do, and that's why you need a meter. If you test after you eat, you have a real number to tell you how much effect your meal had on your blood sugar, and if it's too big an effect, then you know that particular food is better left uneaten, to put it gently.

If your doc isn't forthcoming with a meter, then go to Walmart, Target, Kroger or some other discount chain & get their house brand. Check the price of strips & if you can get strips for the meter at 50¢ each or less - take it. None of us can control our blood sugar if we don't even know what level it is, and the only way for us to know is to test it ourselves several times a day.
You do need to build your meals around protein. You need to include fats along with the protein. You need to avoid foods like potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, sweets. Get your carbs from high-fiber vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach & other leafy greens.
It's a lot to comprehend at the beginning, so ask all the questions you want - we're here to help, since many of us have discovered to our chagrin, that there isn't much good guidance coming from the medical community.
