Can you give me the basics for Type II diabetes?

No one has diabetes in my family so I am clueless about this disease. I know very basic information. I’ve googled a little, but it would be easier for me if a jelly could provide some basic info. None of this information will be used for actual medical care.

What I am curious about is:

What determines whether a person is treated with pills or insulin?

What fasting number is normal for a diabetic? Is their acceptable glucose number higher than a person without diabetes?

What glucose number is very high and can create severe symptoms?

Can you tell me about the new home tests that have no needles?

Anything else that is important that I do not even know to ask?