Thank you so much for your insightful comment! I think I'm going to look into getting some sort of monitor just so I can, as you outlined, get some peace of mind. My doctor also suggested in our last visit that I invest in a blood pressure cuff to check for high blood pressure so finding both medical instruments might be worth purchasing together!
I hear you on the uncontrollable diabetes and difficulties for people. My dad, when he was diagnosed, was a consultant and had to move around to various parts of the country a lot. It wrecked his body and lead to the start of his issues. He went from drinking a 6-12 pack of beer almost daily to quitting cold turkey. He probably wouldn't have made it to mine and my siblings graduations had it not been for his fortitude. Anymore, diet seems to be a huge part in the equation and unless you're loaded, it's really difficult to eat well. I wish our system of food processing was better and we didn't constantly have to fight the battle against proper nutrition and affording other necessities in our lives.
My hope, from this post, is that I can get a sort of "scared straight" result that'll snap me out of my current funk leading to the harmful, antithetic actions I've found myself repeating. Thank you again for your comment!