Well in my experience.. metformin gave me the shits and I didn't want to go blind (my biggest fear) or have anything amputated. With that in mind I found changing my diet the easiest option by far.
Also going onto LCHF I found really easy because the fat content made me feel full. So much so that I have started intermittent fasting, last week did an 88 hour fast without too many cravings at all.
Not trying to show off but that is the frame of mind I have.. helped along by the Diabetes Nurse who told me my condition was progressive and I would definitely end up on insulin.. so there was a bit a bloody minded F you in the mix too.