The general decrease in physical activity in the United States population has led to an increase of cases of type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM), obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis. Remarkable scientific advancements have been made toward understanding the beneficial effects of physical activity in increasing the rate of glucose transport into skeletal muscles, thus restoring insulin sensitivity. Hence, exercise exerts an "insulin-like" effect to facilitate glucose transport and can function as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with type 2 diabetes. With a better understanding of its underlying biological mechanisms, health and physical educators can effectively develop strategies to promote a physically active lifestyle and prescribe appropriate exercise programs to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. (Contains 1 figure.)