There is some encouraging information or people trying beat or live with diabetes. In Monroe County, that population includes tens of thousands of adults.

The most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show more than 43,000 people over 20 years old have diabetes. The majority of people suffer from type two diabetes, which is linked to poor diet and little exercise.

A new study proves people can control type 2 diabetes for a longer period of time.

Eric Marzinsky was not surprised last year when he learned he had developed type 2 diabetes. “I thought that I had it,” he said. “I had most of the symptoms -- drinking lots of water, going to the bathroom, constantly tired.”

His doctor put him on insulin, and a drug called Metformin. It helps ensure that the body and the insulin work together. And, the 26-year-old RIT student also started exercising more and eating better. “The diet was the big one,” he said. “Just watching what I ate, eating healthier, eating less, staying away from all the fast food stuff.”

It worked. In one year, he dropped 45 pounds. And, now, he no longer needs insulin.

Doctor Seth Charatz, an endocrinologist from Rochester General Hospital says Eric is proof lifestyle changes benefit diabetes patients. A new study shows just that: It indicates that eating right and exercising can delay and even prevent diabetes for ten years or more.

“This is good news and really should be a motivator to people who are risk of developing diabetes and who have diabetes,” Charatz said.

Charatz says it is no surprise. Other trials have shown similar outcomes. But this study proves the positive effects can last longer -- about five more years. And it indicates that patients have the power.

“Medicine is not the best treatment basically,” Charatz said.

Yes, Eric is still on Metformin. But combined with eating right and working out five times a week, he has made big strides in his battle with diabetes.

“I feel a lot better now pretty much back to normal,” he said.

Researchers still say it is beneficial to use drugs like Metformin when diet and exercise alone do not work.

However, the 10 year study showed those who changed diet and exercise reduced their risk of diabetes by 34 percent. Those who solely took Metformin saw just an 18 percent decrease in risk.

The study comes from Oct. 29 online edition of The Lancet, an international medical journal.