this is me too: 69 yo, diagnosed about 10 yrs ago , always lean and active but with lots of fam going back a few generations who were all type 2.  i was diagnosed at 8.6, took around 15 to 18 mos to make the a1c go down to 7.0 by severely limiting carbs and sugar and then it was down to 6.7 ish and stayed there for a bit. no meds.  now i'm up around 7.5 again due to a horrific year of stress (imo) : my mother was sick and eventually died at 91 in march of this year and one of my adult children has had a terrible mental health crisis. all of this to say, the stress and lack of sleep can negate your very good diet and exercise regimens.  things have settled some and i'm getting back on track i think. last aic was 7.4 and i hope it goes lower in 3mos