Objectives - To compare the socioeconomic characteristics of diabetic and general populations, and to examine, within the diabetic population, the relationship between these characteristics and health status, healthcare utilization, and quality of care. Methods - For the Entred study, 10,000 adults were randomly selected from among beneficiaries of the general health insurance system who were reimbursed for hypoglycemic agents (oral and/or insulin) during the last quarter of 2001. A questionnaire was mailed to them, and a medical questionnaire was sent to their physicians. This analysis focuses on 3,076 people with type 2 diabetes aged under 80. Results - Socioeconomic status was less favorable in the diabetic population than in the general population. In the diabetic population, individuals with a less favorable socioeconomic status reported dyslipidemia less often but obesity or macrovascular complications more often. They consulted a general practitioner more often and a diabetes specialist less often. The quality of care received and their glycemic control were poorer. Individuals born in the Maghreb, compared to those born in France, were more likely to have diabetic retinopathy and were also screened via fundus examination less frequently. Conclusion - Efforts should be made to improve diabetes prevention and management among individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. (R.A.)