In France between 2001 and 2007, treatment for type 2 diabetes became more intensive and therapeutic options improved. However, glycemic control remains inadequate. Management of cardiovascular risk has become significantly more intensive. Statins, antihypertensives, and antithrombotic agents are prescribed much more frequently. As a result, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol have decreased across all age groups. However, further progress is still possible, particularly regarding blood pressure control. Obesity has increased further (41%), while the frequency of dietary consultations has decreased. Insulin therapy (more so than obesity) determines the need for a dietary consultation: dietary management occurs at too late a stage. Significant improvements in the quality of medical follow-up have been observed. However, fundus examinations and, above all, the measurement of albuminuria in urine samples are still performed too infrequently and have seen little progress, as has podiatric examination. Referrals to a diabetologist are rare (10%) and remained stable between 2001 and 2007. People with diabetes have high expectations regarding information, particularly regarding diet. The demand for education is lower, but higher among those who have already received it. This improvement in care contributes to the increase in reimbursement costs for people with diabetes who are being treated. The consequences of diabetes, more than the disease itself, impair quality of life. [author’s abstract]