Diabetes mellitus represents an important global healthcare challenge. Patients with diabetes face increased risk of developing vascular events and other complications, which can lead to costly hospitalisations and premature mortality. In addition, both the disease itself, and treatment for the disease, may have detrimental effects on patients' QOL. Indeed, QOL issues are of increasing importance, as treatment success may be hindered by patients' fear, and the complexity and inconvenience of daily insulin injections and meal scheduling. These issues were considered by a number of studies presented at a poster session at the 64th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association [Orlando, Florida, US; June 2004].