WV EPIDEMIC WITH DIABETES

(02/01/2008)
West Virginia ranks among the top three states in the nation for people who are diabetic.

More than 12 percent of state residents have diabetes and thousands more are at risk for developing the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.

The Association says things aren't getting any better.

"In West Virginia people say well my mother had it died from it therefore I probably will too," said Julie Burns with the ADA. "But they can lead a healthy life, they just need to take care of themselves."

Obesity and lack of exercise can significantly increase a person's risk for developing type two diabetes, for which there is no cure.