Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and obesity have a close relationship, since a body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2 significantly increases the risks for the onset of the disease. These illnesses can reflect on the individual’s self-perception of body image and health care. Therefore, the objective was to assess nutritional status, body image and perception of the health status of patients with DM2 at a diabetes center. Methods: This cross-sectional study was comprised of adult and elderly individuals, of both sexes, who attend a nutrition clinic in southern Brazil. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements of weight and height, while neck and waist circumference were used to assess the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Sociodemographic, body image and health status data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The data were evaluated by means of descriptive analysis, and for the association of categorical variables, a chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test (p <0.05) was used. Results: It was found a higher prevalence of women (76.9%), adults (57.7%), overweight (100%), and only 2 participants (7.7%) were not at risk for cardiometabolic diseases. 55.6% of the patients considered their state of health to be excellent/good and 100% of them demonstrated a desire to have a smaller silhouette. There was no association between self-perceived health status and body image (p = 0.3088), nor between social class and health status (p = 0.4244). Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight in patients with DM2 is extremely high, as well as dissatisfaction with the silhouette. Still, in this study, individuals consider their health status to be good/excellent. The results obtained demonstrate the need to raise the awareness of patients with DM2 about the disease and the importance of maintaining an adequate weight.