Health officials are most concerned about this second kind, Type II diabetes, because it might be prevented. Genetics play a role, but so do lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of exercise. Diabetes stems from problems with insulin secretion. With Type II diabetes, your pancreas may make enough insulin, but your body's cells can't use it properly. Because the disease can lead to more serious problems such as kidney failure, heart disease and stroke, health officials are determined to help people control it, if not prevent it.
Some people also take oral medicines to control the disease.
Others require insulin shots. Monola Patterson-Williams, who was diagnosed with diabetes 16 years ago when she was 40, started giving herself insulin shots last year. In 1995, the Jackson Middle School theater teacher had knee surgery to correct an injury from childhood. The surgery put a crimp in her exercise routine and eventually she wasn't able to manage the disease with oral medications. Though she is not able to do all the things she used to do, Patterson-Williams is back to exercising regularly.