I'm already insulin resistant, so getting into ketosis as soon as possible is a good idea for me. I've got something unpleasant called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and low carbing it is actually recommended for helping alleviate symptoms (it cannot currently be cured).
I'm picking up a container of 100 ketostix tomorrow at Costco for about 18 bucks. I ran out of my previous ones this morning.
I was recently dx'd with arthritis in my spine and knee, so moving around can be dodgy, at best.
Good you are using the ketostix, cause they were what kept me in my low carb zone. When it fades to just a little pink, you can fall out of ketosis and it takes about two days to get back in. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
You are going to see amazing results because you are motivated by something very important. That is what it took for me also. Doc said I was pre-diabetic, at risk for heart attack and stroke, and had abnormally high blood pressure (5'9", 260lbs).
Losing the weight reversed the pre-diabetic condition, eliminated my blood pressure problem, and reduced my risk of arterial disease by more than 50%. Quitting smoking has been very hard, but if I could really do that and stick it out I could reduce it more. But the point is that weight loss as a result of an improved diet is going to have other benefits you might not have thought of. You will see for yourself.
KEY THING TO DO AT ALL COSTS:
Drink water. Drink 3-5 liters of water per day while low carbing. It will hydrate your joints, flush the byproducts of burning fat, and make your skin look great. What I did was to buy 5 of those Fiji waters (I know, they are expensive), then peeled the labels off them and I empty all of them before the day is out, then refill them in the morning from my Brita pitcher. Brita will pay for itself after refilling it about 5 times and filling your bottles. I got the Fiji bottles because they are square and fit perfectly in the door of my fridge.
This (drinking water) may be the biggest key to your weight loss second to none. Even a great diet wont work if your body does not have enough water. Low carbers really have to watch it and stay hydrated. Low carbing makes your body want to release water. Resist the sudden new craving for salt (it will happen).