Bill Hall, 64, of Barbour County, had a port in his arm so a kidney dialysis machine could clean his blood three times a week. Diabetes took his leg and kidneys. In January, he died of heart failure brought on by diabetes. "He was a wonderful man," said nurse Barbara Weaner.

Former Barbour County diner operator Lona Little, 77, loves to laugh, but diabetes has taken her sight in one eye, her kidneys and her ability to walk independently.

Linton Wright, of Elkins, was a Forest Service soil scientist before he lost his kidney function. "I wish I had taken better care earlier," he said.