In the literature, four groups of variables related to therapeutic adherence stand out, such as diseases and treatments; intrapersonal factors; interpersonal factors and environmental factors. Nationality comes to diversify the already different combination of these factors. This study aims to compare adherence to the therapeutic regime in users with type 2 diabetes mellitus in users with Portuguese and French nationality. The study is characterized as observational, descriptive, analytical, and transversal, within a quantitative approach). Data collection was carried out by interview, which took place at the time of the nursing consultation. The data collection instrument consists of the questionnaire for the assessment of self-care activities with diabetes (AACD), by Bastos, Severo and Lopes [1] and characterization questions. The sample consists of 280 participants selected for convenience, among which 240 are Portuguese and 40 are French. Of the 240 participants in the sample, mostly male (55%), aged over 65 years (68.3%) and married or in a de facto union (63.3%). The results show that in global adherence, it is the Portuguese who show the highest averages (26,27). In analyze the dimensions of adherence, there are a higher trend in the Portuguese population for almost all dimensions, with exception of physical activity. Through the application of the t test for independent samples, only the existence of statistically significant differences between the two groups in the specific food dimension was confirmed (p <0.001). In relation to the characterization variables and globally, there were statistically significant differences (p <0.001) in relation to the age group, with the youngest individuals having better adherence rates (27.54) and to marital status (p <0.004)., with married or de facto partners having better adherence scores (26.77). Differences in therapeutic adherence are confirmed in the specific diet dimension. In conclusion, age and marital status appear as determinants of adherence. The differences found in the sizes of the two groups of Portuguese and French nationality are limitations to the present investigation. It is imperative to study other sociodemographic variables and the respective health systems. Namely, at the level of surveillance and disease control carried out by nursing. Nursing has a special function here focused on the training of the person, in view of the therapeutic adherence and the management of their disease.
