Brazil is a country of continental dimensions, the fifth largest in the world, and the fifth most populous – nearly 200 million inhabitants. It is characterized by its diversity, geographically, and in terms of its varied climate, ethnic and cultural complexity and economy; Brazil is the tenth largest economy in the world, a country where huge wealth and widespread  poverty co-exist at close quarters. In the context of these contrasting features, and with the prevalence of both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes on the increase, the comprehensive provision of effective diabetes care in Brazil constitutes a huge challenge. And while advances have been made in recent years, particularly in terms of access to insulin, there remain serious shortcomings in care, particularly for young people with the condition. The authors report on behalf of the DAWN Youth Brazil advisory board.