Diabetes mellitus poses a major worldwide health threat. From 1995 to 2025, the number of adults with diabetes in the world is projected to increase by 122%-from 135 million to 300 million (King, Aubert, & Herman, 1998, as cited in Castaneda, 2000). And more than 90% of the people 20 years of age or older with diabetes have type II diabetes (Castaneda, 2000).

Type II diabetes, formerly known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes, is a disease of insulin resistance, rather than no insulin and can often be managed through diet and exercise without insulin injections (Rosenthal, 1999). There are many different risk factors for type II diabetes, some being modifiable and others being predetermined.

Sedentary lifestyle is one modifiable risk factor that will be examined in middle to older aged women. As well, the benefits of activity will be looked at, including motivational factors for women to engage in exercise. The complications of type II diabetes will be examined as at least 40 % of all people with type II diabetes will develop another disease as a result of their diabetes (Rosenthal, 1999). These complications as well as other factors can act as barriers to exercising for women with type II diabetes. And lastly, self care tips will be explained in relation to both exercising and general lifestyle activities for women with type II diabetes.