The research objective of CODE-2 study was to estimate the total direct medical resources use of type 2 diabetes in France and in Europe. Only French data are provided in this paper. Total medical resources consumption of type 2 diabetics on a 6 months retrospective period were collected through a national practitioner survey (including both general practitioners and diabetology/endocrinology specialists). This survey was completed for 751 patients. Data collected were then extrapolated to be representative of all type 2 diabetics in France. Average medical resources consumption of a type 2 diabetic per year is 3 350 US$ (1 US$ =6FF). This figure is a minimum because some costs were underestimated in the study. Extrapolated to all diagnosed and treated type 2 diabetics in France, this expenditure is 4.3 billion US$ and accounts for 3.8 % of the total medical resources consumption in France (prevalence of type 2 diabetes reaches 2.5 % in the general population). Among this consumption, 24.1 % is directly related to diabetes, 26.7 % to potential related diabetes complications and 49.2 % to other diseases. Time since diagnosis, current treatment type and complications are the main factors which increase such consumption. CODE-2 study reveals the high level of medical resources consumption associated with type 2 diabetes complication. It confirms that more efficient therapeutical strategies are needed to avoid these complications.