Obesity is a known risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The reasons for this are complex but include insulin resistance -- a problem with how the body responds to insulin, the hormone that normally helps metabolize blood sugar for energy.

Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet) is typically prescribed to counteract the effects of insulin resistance -- the body's sluggish response to the blood-sugar-lowering hormone insulin. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugars and may eventually progress to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all known cases of diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Type 2 diabetes occurs most often in overweight people over the age of 40. However, it is becoming more prevalent among younger populations with the rise in obesity.

Living with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) involves limiting foods that could raise blood sugar to high levels. Juice can be a part of an overall healthy diet in limited amounts. Keeping serving sizes to 4 ounces or less -- about 1/2 cup -- limits the carbohydrate load.

Adiponectin is a protein made by fat cells that circulates in the bloodstream, acting as a messenger. It plays a role in how the body uses sugar, or glucose, and fat for energy.

Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) is a nonnutritive sweetener that is roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is found in many reduced-calorie foods, including diet soft drinks, yogurt, chewing gum, ice cream, ice pops, jellies, jams and breakfast cereals.

Thick, hearty beef stew doesn't happen by itself. You must take care to thicken the broth or you will have a beef soup instead of a savory beef stew in a thick gravy. Deciding how to thicken the beef stew takes thought because the thickening agent that you use might change the flavor of the stew.

Oranges are a healthy citrus fruit, but if you have type 2 diabetes, you may worry about their high sugar content if your blood sugar levels are out of control. Fortunately, oranges contain components that make them a nutritious part of a diabetic diet as long as you eat them in concert with other healthy foods.