Background: Diabetes has become the epidemic that can’t be neglected anymore. In 2010, the estimated world adult population that had diabetes was 285 million, while in 2013 this number has increased to 382 million. In the case of a growing trend, in 2035 it is estimated that approximately 592 million people will carry this disease. It is thought that in 90% of all the cases there is type 2 diabetes. With an increase of the incidence, the disease prevalence, mortality, serious complications, inability to work with major health care expenses and a loss in quality of life of the patient, the type 2 diabetes has become a problem of a great importance for an individual, medicine and society. This study represents a systematic analysis of the literature by estimating in the epidemiological impact of the diabetes, presenting some aspects correlated with the incidence, prevalence of the disease and the mortality, enumerating the risky factors considered to be capable of influencing the dynamic of these indicators. Conclusions: In conclusion, our review highlights a significant epidemic of diabetes at national and international levels with a rapid increase in prevalence over the last two decades. It is evident that several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Hence there is a need for urgent preventive and curative strategies to be implemented.