Insulin availability and routine diabetes care were cross-sectionally investigated in 122 (M/F; 59/63) insulin-dependent diabetic patients aged 6-60 years with > or = 1 year duration using a structured questionnaire interview followed by a free conversation. Haemoglobin A1c, blood glucose, and serum lipids were measured in the fasting state to assess the metabolic control. Only 12% of the patients had acceptable glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7.5%). Increased age, shorter diabetes duration, and higher body mass index were associated with better metabolic control. Omission or reduction of the insulin dose was experienced by 51% of the patients due to insulin shortage. The interview data consistently indicated that insulin non-availability had induced poor compliance to therapy regimens and lack of motivation for optimum glycaemic control. Due to limited resources, most of the patients received insufficient diabetes care and education, leading to lower rates of clinic attendance (55%), and dietary non-compliance (78.5%). Elevated haemoglobin A1c was associated with higher fasting blood glucose levels (P < 0.001), serum triglycerides (P < 0.05), and urinary glucose (P < 0.001). Measurable fasting C-peptide was observed in 52.5% of the patients and was related to the age at diagnosis, and body mass index (P < 0.001 for both). There is a considerable potential to improve diabetes care and education practice, and if accessibility to insulin is simultaneously facilitated, the glycaemic control in Sudanese diabetic patients will improve.