The first step in managing type 2 diabetes is accepting the fact that you have diabetes. Diabetics need to take an active role in managing their condition. Regular doctor visits are a must to check on blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to monitor eye health. Dr. Michael Stein of Brown University talks about stabilizing kidney function. Blood sugar levels need to be monitored using self-testing kits. According to Dr. Osama Hamdy of the Joslin Diabetes Center, the best treatments for type 2 diabetes are diet and exercise, not medications. Cynthia Geyer of Canyon Ranch explains how exercise enables tissues to take up glucose independent of insulin receptors. Eating small sensible meals helps to keep blood sugar levels and weight under control. Losing 7% of body weight can increase insulin sensitivity by 50%--that's equivalent to two diabetes medications at maximum dose. Dr. Mark Liponis of Canyon Ranch tells us the good news about diabetes: we have the ability to improve diabetes, and that isn't true of many conditions.