In 92 diabetic and 175 non-diabetic patients undergoing 336 femoropopliteal or femorodistal bypass procedures, 1- and 3-year cumulative life-table patency, limb salvage, and survival rates were comparatively analysed. The peroperative mortality rate was significantly higher in diabetic patients (5% compared to 1.4%, p < 0.001). The cumulative graft patency rates were 61% at 12 months and 46% at 36 months in diabetic patients compared to 64 and 52% in non-diabetic patients. Significantly better patency rates were observed in limbs with good runoff compared to limbs with poor runoff in both groups. The limb salvage rates at 3 years were 70% in diabetic patients and 62% in non-diabetic patients. The survival rate at 3 years was significantly lower in diabetic patients, 62% compared to 86% in non-diabetic patients. Diabetic patients with poor runoff demonstrated a significantly lower survival rate after 36 months compared to diabetic patients with good runoff (48% and 74%, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate that the early and intermediate patency and limb salvage rates are similar in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. On the other hand the survival rate in diabetic patients, especially in those with poor distal runoff, is significantly lower than non-diabetic patients.