Introduction - Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects quality of life (QOL). Our objective was to identify the sociodemographic characteristics and health status indicators associated with QOL among adults with type 2 diabetes in mainland France. Methods - Data were derived from mail-in questionnaires and medical reimbursement claims from the 2007 Entred study in a subgroup of 2,832 adults with type 2 diabetes. QoL was assessed using the MOS SF-12 questionnaire (mental and physical scores). Results - With age, the mental health score remained stable, while the physical health score declined sharply. At all ages, both scores were lower among women. In multivariate linear regression, advanced age, diabetes characteristics and complications, perceived insufficient income, dependence on instrumental activities of daily living, and dissatisfaction with social support for diabetes were associated with lower physical and mental scores. Furthermore, an HbA1c level between 8% and 10% was associated with a low mental score, while female gender, obesity, and hospitalization during the previous year were associated with a low physical score. Discussion - The quality of life (QOL) of people with type 2 diabetes depends heavily on the consequences of diabetes, but also on socioeconomic factors and social support. Compared to the results of the INSEE "Health and Medical Care 2002-2003" survey, conducted among the general population, their scores were also lower. Improving their QoL could result from better prevention of complications, greater consideration of socioeconomic difficulties, and better alignment of treatment goals with patients’ individual needs. (R.A.)