Using data collected from 147 predominately African American senior citizens in Arkansas, this research examined the Illness Intrusiveness Model (Devins, 1991; Devins & Seland, 1987; Devins & Shnek, 2000) to explain variations in wellness specifically related to participants' adaptation to diabetes. The theoretical model hypothesized that the relationships between five explanatory variables and wellness would be mediated through illness intrusiveness and personal control. Moreover, it was hypothesized that illness intrusiveness would be directly related to wellness, as well as indirectly related to wellness, mediated through personal control. Partial support for the model was observed with some hypotheses supported and others not supported. Limitations and implications of this study for both future research and practice are discussed. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)