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In the context of implementing hospital reforms, this study compares practice in relation to evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for diabetes screening and management. Laboratory test intake was determined for patients hospitalized for diabetes in 2005 in three public hospitals in France (one civilian, two military). For the 395 admissions in these three hospitals during 2005 (Diagnosis-related group [DRG] 10M02V “Diabetic, age 36 to 69 years without comorbidity”), the average length of stay and the number of biological actions performed were lower than those administered by the French national health cost study scale and by the Montpellier University Hospital database. In terms of qualitative coherence between the guidelines and recommendations for treatment, the total number of biological actions is higher than if we were to strictly apply the good practice suggested by the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). These three hospitals apply different guidelines for practice in the area of diabetes management. The implementation of reforms such as procedure-based payment may provide additional leverage to ensure that the recommendations for best practice are effective. Improved methods and instruments for data collection and monitoring are essential, especially for estimating revenue and expenditure.