Melv, I too was on statins, my cholestoral levels are now low enough to be taken off them plus a lot of heart meds and the beta blocker i was on following a heart attack back in 2016 - I've had the retinopathy test - my eyesight is not as bad as had been in the past, all down to my new eating habits, my portion size on plate of ¼ carb, ¼ protein and the rest filled with veg, 2 healthy snacks per day - I get plenty of protein in my diet with all the foods mentioned below - see if you can make an appointment with your diabetic nurse or dietician, you shouldn't need protein drinks. there are healthy fats in some of the foods on your list plus cheese, not go crazy on it but you can have lighter varieties and maybe even cottage cheese. Plenty (2 litres min) of water, get out for a walk a few times a day or do some gardening, you won't end up like your friend.