OBJECTIVES: Diabetes disease management programmes (DDMP) were introduced in German statutory health insurance companies to improve medical care by funding health care based on evidence-based medical guidelines. The aim of this study was to compare persons with type 2 diabetes (DM2s) enrolled in a DDMP to those not enrolled regarding quality of healthcare and medical endpoints. METHODS: A population based follow-up study was performed by the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) between 2006 and 2008. All DM2s received a questionnaire regarding their medical care and self management. Medications (within the last 7 days), physical examination and laboratory tests were documented. DDMP participation was validated by the primary physician. Only DM2s with statutory health insurance and validated DDMP enrolment were included in the analysis (n=166). Regression analyses adjusting for confounders (age, sex, education, diabetes duration and previous diabetes complications) were conducted. RESULTS: DDMP enrolees (n=89) reported medical examination of eyes and feet and medical advice regarding diet and physical activity more frequently (p<0.005), received antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications more often (p<0.05) and attended diabetes education more frequently (p<0.005). DDMP enrolees measured their blood pressure more frequently (p<0.05). The groups did not differ regarding Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), but of 54 DM2s with values over 7%, only 3.6% of DDMP enrolees were receiving no antihyperglycemic medication whereas this was true for 38.5% of those not in DDMP. This difference remained significant (p=0.0129) after adjustment for diabetes duration. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, health care quality in DDMPs is improved. However, patient self-management of all diabetics must be improved.