Hi and welcome,
A blood glucose meter is an essential tool. It will not only show if you are progressing in the right direction, but will also help enormously with your diet. Using one properly you can see at a glance what your last meal has done to your levels, and as patterns emerge it enables you to cut out or cut down on certain foods - these foods being mainly carbohydrates. (It isn't just sugar that matters!) Without one you are working blind.
Good luck on your journey, and do ask questions.