OBJECTIVES: To explore current disease status and approach to care for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China. METHODS: The study was performed using data from the Adelphi T2DM Disease Specific Programme (DSP©), a cross-sectional study of consulting patients providing insights into ‘real-world’ behaviours and attitudes in clinical practice in 2008. The DSP collected data on 1648 patients with T2DM receiving at least one oral anti-diabetic with or without insulin and from 200 physicians (140 specialists and 60 internal medicine)  across general hospitals in 9 Chinese cities through physician interviews, patient record forms and patient-completed questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 1648 patients [50% male, mean (SD) age: 57.74(12.56) years, BMI: 24.04(3.37)kg/m2, duration of diabetes: 4.52(5.06) years], 74% had at least one co-morbidity, 39% were overweight (24≤BMI<28kg/m2) and 9% were obese (BMI≥28kg/m2). 61% had an HbA1c≥7% and only 35% of patients were aware of an HbA1c target. 39.20% of patients were treated with OAD monotherapy [metformin (Met): 12.26%, Sulphonyureas (SU): 12.56%, alpha-glucosinase inhibitor (AGI): 8.37%, prandial glucose regulators (PGR):4.67%, thiazolidinediones (TZD): 2.31%] and 29.67% were on dual OAD therapy (commonly Met+SU: 11.71%, Met+AGI: 4.37%, SU+AGI: 3.82%, Met+PGR: 4.25%, Met+TZD: 1.52%), while 28.09% of patients were on OAD + insulin therapy. Lack of gastrointestinal, liver function side effects and hypoglycaemia risk, QD dosage, and beneficial effects on blood pressure were the 5 most cited unmet needs in non-insulin diabetes treatment highlighted by physicians. Mean (SD) patient-reported QoL (EQ-5D VAS) was 0.86(0.18) and mean (SD) diabetes treatment satisfaction was 25.97(5.14)/36 where 0 is very dissatisfied and 36 very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The study population of Chinese T2DM patients is relatively young and recently diagnosed. More than half were poorly controlled and the need for further therapeutic actions to improve glycaemic control as well as better doctor/ patient communication regarding treatment goals is clear.