In November 1990, we carried out a survey of chronic complications of diabetes in more than 2000 diabetic patients who were seen on one day in 35 medical institutions including university hospitals, other hospitals and small clinics. More than 60% were aged 55-74 years. About 7% of patients had IDDM. Hypertension was present in 38.5%. Proteinuria was positive in 20% and 1% of patients were on dialysis therapy. 28% had visual disturbance and 2.9% had blindness in one or both eyes. Retinopathy was observed in 38% and proliferative retinopathy in 10%. The prevalences of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cerebral infarction and foot ulcer and gangrene were 2.1%, 4.7%, 5.7% and 2%, respectively, including the histories of these complications. Amputation of lower extremities was seen in only 0.6%. Microangiopathies were generally more frequent and more severe in IDDM than NIDDM. The prevalence of microangiopathy was as common as, but macroangiopathy seems less frequent than, the figures given in 'Diabetes in America'.