Hi, Shirederby,
Your readings aren't too bad for a newly diagnosed diabetic, and if I was you I would stick to what you're doing, on your present meds (I assume you are on Metformin?). Keep testing, give it six months, and see how you're doing. Have you had an HbA1c test? Those are very good for comparison of how you're doing.
I'm on Metformin to help with weight loss, as well as the protection against CVD etc it gives, as I won't take statins.
Low-carb is great for many of us, and there's lots of advice, hints and recipes on here. You can allow yourself some treats over Christmas, it's interesting to see what affects you - one mince pie took me over 11 last year - highest I've ever been!
Let us know how you go on.
Viv 8)
PS of course if your readings go up, consistently, see the GP again. Don't worry unduly if your a.m. fasting readings are the highest - Dawn Phenomenon.