I was diagnosed at 42 as T2, but knew it was in the cards for almost 30 years before that. You can't escape from 4 generations of family history of diabetes and death before 60. My Dad was diagnosed as T2 in my teens and passed away before his 60th birthday. By that time it was clear to me that I resembled him in more than looks and manner. You can't escape from genetics, you can only hide for a while.
After puberty my body assumed the classic apple shape despite a sensible diet and an active lifestyle and in my early 30's insulin resistance set in along with reactive hypoglycaemia. From that point on it was a matter of trying to buy time. I was already used to limiting my sugar and carbohydrates out of habit from growing up with a diabetic in the house. The next step was to start taking metformin early in the hope that it would delay the onset of diabetes. It didn't, but it has made it less severe than what other members of my family have experienced. I consider that a win, perhaps it means that I'll manage to live long enough to get myself a free bus pass and make good use of it.
I live in hope, but just in case I'm wrong, I'm having as many adventures as I can whilst there's still time.