This study assessed data from 78 practices and 6610 patients with type 2 diabetes participating in the diabetes annual review (DAR) programme, in this investigation into the effect of patient and practice characteristics on the retention of patients. Patients had a DAR in the July 2006 to June 2007 reporting year and remained enrolled with the same practice for the following 3 years. Non-Māori and those aged ≥60 years were more likely to be retained in the programme. For practice factors, those with a higher Practice Nurse:GP ratio had a significant retention advantage. Rurality and funding type did not significantly influence retention