Type 1 diabetic here. It is a big learning curve but definitely becomes manageable with good information.
My own experience is that I rarely see an Endocrinologist and instead see a NP who is wonderful. I suspect the dietician is more geared toward type 2 care.
I carb count when delivering a bolus of insulin through my pump. This is where the NP is going to be helpful in figuring out what that carb/insulin ratio is.
Love the idea of journaling as there are so many variables.
I've not read it but I've heard the book "Think like a Pancreas' is helpful.