It helps to make sure you're watching your calories. Tracking carbs is very helpful as well.
Get a meter and test your BG 1 hour after you eat. if the BG is over 140 you are doing damage to blood capillaries and nerves that will lead to complications. how soon the complications start depends on how long your BG is over 140.
It helps to at least start tracking that information in some sort of app or at least a spreadsheet. I don't know if you necessarily if you have to be "religious".
A board certified endocrinologist highly recommends food that are in the low glycemic index range. Not enough time to explain the glycemic index except the lower the range the less spiking of blood sugar. A food that is 50 or lower should be okay to eat. There are sites and books. One I bought and read is the "Low GI handbook" Includes charts and recipes. Good luck to you.
carb counting? depends on your BG