Abstract: A basis for understanding the arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase pathway, as well as and methods and kits for inhibiting the arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase pathway for the treatment, reversal, reduction, modulation or prevention of disease states and conditions related to type 1 or type 2 diabetes, are disclosed. Also disclosed are inflammatory forms of ALOX12 and 15, which are selectively expressed in omental adipose tissue of obese humans. Inhibitors of ALOX12 and 15 can be used to treat, prevent, modulate or reduce complications associated with increased visceral obesity and inflammation, including type 2 diabetes. Also disclosed are methods for developing selective ALOX inhibitors for treating or reducing complications associated with increased visceral obesity and inflammation.