With the discovery and introduction of insulin, the "palette" of life-threatening conditions for patients with diabetes mellitus has changed dramatically: from diabetic coma of the "pre-insulin era" to severe vascular complications in the modern period. The key risk factors for diabetic angiopathies in diabetes mellitus are poor glycemic control in combination with a long course of the disease. Over the past 30 years, there has been a downward trend in the incidence of late vascular complications of diabetes both worldwide and in Russia. In particular, the frequency of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarctions, strokes, amputations) decreased, and the incidence of several other complications, such as diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, stabilized. However, the incidence of chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure is still increasing. The Joslin Medal, awarded to patients over 50, 75 and even 80 years of life with diabetes, reflects success in the fight against this disease.