Final answer:
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing with age, particularly after the age of 65; however, due to rising obesity rates, it is now being diagnosed at increasingly younger ages. Lifestyle changes can help manage or reverse Type 2 diabetes, although insulin therapy might be needed if blood glucose levels remain uncontrolled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of people living with diabetes increases with age, particularly after the age of 65. However, due to a dramatic rise in obesity among younger people, Type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed at earlier ages than in the past, even in children. This shift is concerning since Type 2 diabetes is typically associated with adulthood, starting after the age of 40. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, inactivity, and being overweight or obese can lead to pre-diabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes. Nearly 27 percent of Americans aged 65 and older have diabetes. Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes can often be managed or even reversed with healthy lifestyle changes such as moderate weight loss, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet. In cases where blood glucose levels cannot be controlled through these means, insulin therapy may be required.