Hi Tweetypie,
You sound like me three years ago. I too had gestational diabetes (now T2), all family members are diabetic, have been for generations with lots of complications (amputations, heart attacks, loss of sight etc).
HOWEVER - it doesn't have to be like that.
I don't know how old you are but for the last 25 years we have been told fat is bad, carbs are good so it will take a while to 'unlearn' that. As you have already discovered carbs raise your blood glucose levels.
Many (but not all) diabetics do follow a low or controlled carb routine. I do and my blood glucose is well controlled and I have no complications - my siblings don't - they eat lots of carbs and use insulin to try to control their BG levels - they all have diabetic complications.
I found that it was very hard in the early days, but after reading lots on this website, testing the effect each food had on my BG levels I managed to get control.
Take it ONE DAY AT A TIME, don't beat yourself up if you have a little slip here and there, we are humans not machines!
Everyone is different so you will find that one person will post that they can have bread/porridge/chips etc and not raise their BG too much whilst another will find their levels shoot through the roof with one chip

test test test
Have a look through the low carb forum for some great recipes, and ask for suggestions for your favourite meals - you will be surprised what you can make low carb (I had yummy chocolate mousse last night).
Sending you big hugs - it does get easier