Which of the following statements is true regarding Type II diabetes?

Type II diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance and is more common in adults, although it can also occur in children, especially with rising obesity rates. One of the distinguishing features of Type II diabetes is that it often can be controlled through lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and can effectively be managed with oral medications rather than requiring insulin therapy.

This flexibility in management underscores the potential for non-insulin-based strategies, which can include dietary changes, physical activity, and medications that enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin or promote insulin secretion. While some individuals with Type II diabetes may eventually require insulin therapy, especially if the disease progresses, many are able to achieve satisfactory glycemic control without it, particularly in the early stages of the disease.

In contrast to Type I diabetes—which typically occurs in children and is predominantly managed with insulin due to the complete lack of insulin production by the pancreas—Type II allows for these other management avenues.