Well I managed my diabetes for the first 7 years with diet only, then the next 5 years after that on oral medications, then almost 6 years now on insulin. I've been seeing an endocrinologist for most of the time I've been diagnosed. The one I see at the moment I've had for about 10 years. He tells me I've done well as it's just a matter of time for most type 2's before they don't produce much insulin and need insulin therapy. But of course everyone is different, and I'm sure there are some that are on insulin sooner than I was and some that aren't on insulin either. Also bear in mind not all of us are just dealing with diabetes. I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and diabetes on the same day. Since then I've managed to get a number of other chronic conditions as well. I think one thing I've learnt is to not worry so much about the treatment side of things, but keep up really as things can and do change. If they don't change at all for you, then you're truly fortunate. Also I've learnt that as a type 2 I probably should've been on insulin sooner than I was as the reality is that doctors didn't do the diagnostic tests on me again until I insisted after a couple of years of well that doesn't work, let's try another drug or drug combo... on it went. Very frustrating. So for me it was a relief to finally find out why things weren't working... oral meds simply do not work if you don't have hardly any insulin production. They're designed for diabetics who still produce their own insulin. Don't be shy to ask to get those GAD & c-peptide tests done again... it's so worth it. PS. some docs use insulin to help you get quick control of your sugar levels for type 2. But then there are those of us that no longer produce sufficient insulin due to beta cell damage.... we're the same as type 1 with management of diabetes at that point. We don't have a choice about being on insulin because we need it. People seem to think type 2's can come off insulin, that's only true if you are still producing it yourself.