The present study was performed to examine living conditions of elderly diabetic patients in rural areas in Iwate and Miyagi in northern Honsyu and compared them with similar cases in Tokyo. One hundred and nine cases over 60 years old were interviewed, and results were compared to 109 age- and sex-matched random samples in the Tokyo area. The original Tokyo subjects consisted of 383 outpatients of the Diabetic Clinic of Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital. Types of family structure, educational background and total income were quite different in the 3 areas, and patterns of social support depended on area-specific characteristics. Attitudes toward diabetic treatment (acceptance of importance and compliance) in Tokyo were excellent, but the sensation of social burden and dissatisfaction were also at a high level. In contrast, the level of compliance in Iwate was low. Total morale scale scores were similar in the 3 areas. Multivariate analysis (dependent variable is the total morale score) showed significant contribution of levels of ADL and adherent behavioral style only in Tokyo. In contrast, the feeling of social burden was a negative factor in all areas. The quality of life of elderly people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, is affected by ability to adaptation to living conditions.