OBJECTIVES: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) utilize more healthcare resources than those without diabetes, yet a portion of the increased use may be due to comorbid conditions.  This study compared healthcare resource utilization among adults with T2DM plus hypertension (HTN) and obesity with those with T2DM only. METHODS: Respondents to the Study to Help Improve Early evaluation and management of risk factors Leading to Diabetes (SHIELD), a large US survey, self-reported their height, weight, comorbid conditions, number of hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, and physician visits in the past 12 months.  Respondents reporting T2DM and HTN and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) were identified and compared with a T2DM-only group. RESULTS: T2DM respondents with, comorbid HTN, and obesity (n=1186), were younger, more likely to be men, and had lower income but were similar to T2DM-only respondents (n=293) in race, education, smoking, and cardiovascular disease history.  Respondents with T2DM, HTN, and obesity had significantly more physician visits (mean of 8 vs. 6, p = 0.001), especially 10 or more visits (21% vs. 15%), than respondents with T2DM only (p = 0.03).  No significant differences (p >0.05) were reported for percentage hospitalized (21% vs. 20%) and number of days hospitalized (mean of 7 vs. 11 days) over the past 12 months. Respondents with comorbid HTN and obesity reported significantly more ED visits (9% with 2-13 visits) compared with T2DM-only group (5% with 2-5 visits, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents with comorbid conditions of T2DM, HTN, and obesity have greater healthcare resource utilization in physician office visits and ED visits than those with T2DM only.