My dietary needs have changed, as yours, Shooting Star. I don't think I am getting insulin spikes, just plain weight gain if I eat white rice, bread, etc. I mostly ate whole wheat stuff anyway, but now anything white is seen as a treat.
None of my friends, cycling or otherwise, would ever comment on my appearance. Maybe a "you look nice today," but nothing else. But, sometimes, when I go places, I see other women giving me the once over, as you described, Limewave.
I wouldn't mind if someone commented on my muscles, though.