Hi! I was diagnosed t2 nov 2012. My a1c was 9.0 then. I decided to try to control through lifestyle changes and no meds. I lost weight by restricting calories and exercise. I saw improvement within a few weeks. Over a year later I am down 40 lbs and discovered I love to run, my most recent a1c was 5.2. I limit my carbs to under 100 per day. I found that exercising for 10 minutes an hour after meals really helped control my blood sugar and was an easy way to get my 30 mins. a day. I do a mix of strength training and cardio. As well, I like wine, and frequently drink a glass with dinner., but you have to be aware that alcohol lowers blood sugar and watch for going to low. Not saying you have to drink, but I found being able to have a glass of wine helped me feel less food deprived. I hope to stay off meds as long as possible to stave off complications. I read a lot about reversing/ controlling diabetes. A study was done that showed a reverse with an 800 calorie per day diet. I wasn't willing to go that deprived, but have seen great results at 1200 - 1500 calories a day, but I think the exercise has helped the most with controlling my blood sugar. Check out fitnessblender.com for great free workout videos, tons that are 5-15 mins long so you can break them up during your day and lots of different types to keep you interested. Good luck!