When I was first diagnosed and needed some help people on this forum were giving advice and giving answers to questions that made more sense to me than any advice I received from a HCP. I read and 'lurked' for months before I signed in for the first time. Without any pressure I found a way to manage my diabetes and to keep my bg at a level that I was happy about. What impressed me was the way that the discussion was open, people were supportive of each other, and there was no pushing of any one way to manage, nor any cost - it was up to the individual to find their own way. Since signing in, I have not spent a penny nor have I received any funds, I have offered advice from my own experience in general terms. I found my mother supportive, she trained as a nurse in the early 1950s and diet was a strong suit of hers, another relative who trained more recently also supported what I found out through using my meter.
Whoever set up the website has helped a huge number of people to help themselves. I try my own low carb diet, with some foods that I buy in for convenience from the supermarket. I spend a small fortune at the cheese stall on the local market, and found a whole world of flavours I did not know existed. Cheese made with horseradish is wonderful with meats and fish, cold soups through the hot weather are a light meal mid day that keeps me going until it is cool enough in the evening. I do not yet subscribe to the 'fasting is good for you' group, but they get results that they can live with that way, I get mine differently. My one pot vegetable stews through the winter are different every time because the ingredients are varied.
Now I am settled and feel reasonably in control I may look at what some of the doctors say online, but from a position that I now know what works for me. I don't really want to improve my bg much at present as long as it stays at its present level (fbg between 4.6 and 5.2) and my weight stays the same, but I am keeping my options open and if I need help I will ask for it and consider all advice given before making a decision.
As for sweets, there are a couple of brands available with various flavours through a high street health food store and usually I find a couple are sufficient to satisfy a 'sweet' need after a savoury meal, but be careful they may have a laxative effect.