OBJECTIVES: Diet and exercise are key elements along with pharmacological treatment to attain adequate glycemic control in diabetic persons. The aim of this study is to identify the socio-demographic factors and attitudes associated with the following of diet and exercise plans in the treatment of diabetic patients at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). METHODS: Data from the institutional health survey, encoprevenimss 2010, was used to test the statistical relationship between socio-demographic variables and adherence to diet and exercise plans in the treatment of diabetic patients aged 20 years and older. Two binary logistic regression models were constructed to identify personal attitudes and socio-demographic variables associated with the decision of the patient whether to follow the recommendations. RESULTS: 31% of the patients reported fully adhering to the prescribed diet, 25% adhered partially and 8% did not adhere to it; furthermore 27% of the patients reported fully complying with the exercise recommendations, 16% complied partially and 18% did not comply. At a level of significance of 5%, no statistically significant relationship between following diet and exercise plans and gender was found, with p-value = 0.072 and 0.424 respectively. In contrast, a statistically significant relationship with age groups was obtained, p-value = 0.000. The results from the logistic regression models show that the main predictors for whether patients would follow recommendations for diet and exercise were personal attitudes. Lack of interest or motivation regarding the importance of these recommendations increases the probability of poor adherence. With improved education, the probability of greater adherence to these recommendations increases, while patients who work are less likely to exercise or follow the diet plan. CONCLUSIONS: Health programs and activities aiming to motivate patients to follow diet and exercise plans should be designed with special emphasis on diabetic patients who work.