Welcome to the forum. I was lucky when diagnosed because I was given a meter and shown how to use it. I was also enrolled on a course (diabetes Xpert but others may be available in your area). Regarding conflicting information, personally, I looked at how such information affected ME and acted accordingly. But, as I implied, I was also given the tools to judge that information. I hope your GP is one of the enlightened ones.
Good luck,
Andy 🙂