A study was conducted in 1998 with the aim of assessing adequacy of clinical management of diabetic patients attending public health services in Pelotas, Brazil. Patients were interviewed to gather data on medical consultation, disease, and treatment. Data analysis focused on the "type of treatment" variable with three categories: diet, physical activity, and drug treatment. Seventy-six percent of the patients reported having received nutritional orientation. Only 50% of them reported having followed their diet during the preceding 15 days. Also, 75% of patients reported having received recommendations to perform physical activity. However, only one third had practiced some exercise in the previous month. Among 377 interviewed, 289 (77%) were on medication, and among the patients taking oral hypoglycemic agents many had at least one contraindication. The article discusses the need to enhance physicians' adherence to scientific guidelines for diabetes management.