OBJECTIVES:: Estimate health production functions for Brazil based on Grossman's theoretical model. METHODS:: Descriptive and analytical research with 12,748 observations developed with the information about Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) of 2013. The empirical approach used was the Probit, focusing on the estimation of two models: The first investigating factors that affect the health of the Brazilian population, And the second, an extension of this analysis, restricted to chronic diabetes disease. RESULTS:: The ages declared by survey participants range from 18 to 95. Considering the first model, the increase in the educational level, rises in 11.6% the probability of the individual evaluating himself with very good or good health. The gender variable, in turn, indicates that women reported lower health status (the probability of being evaluated with better health declaring the female sex is 5,1% lower). The probability of self-assessment with better health is 3.1% lower when the individual is 60 years of age or older. In addition, obesity decreases the chances of positive self-assessment of health by 2%. These variables were also important to explain the prevalence of diabetes in the second model. Higher level of schooling, not being old and not being obese are associated with less probability of the person being diagnosed with diabetes (reduce, by 0.5%, 4.8% and 1.4%, respectively, this probability). It is noted that sex was not significant to explain the prevalence of this disease. Finally, have healthy eating habits and practicing exercises are associated with better health and less likely to have been diagnosed with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS:: It is observed that educational policies and actions that stimulate healthy habits and focused in the elderly health are important for improving the health status of the population and the living conditions of those who are or will pass through the aging process.