The article represents the subject-social approach to the analysis of the disability situation ; through the example of diabetics. The author considers the problem of re-socialization of ill and disabled people in the social and psychological context, the system of internal and external determinants. The system of psychological and socio-psychological factors of the situation subjective component and the ideas about the sick role and a healthy role and evaluation of life quality are revealed. Conclusions about the specific nature of life satisfaction and adaptation strategies for the individual depending on the disability have been made. Dependent behavior typical for the disability situation is a result of this situation crisis nature and limited social opportunities of the patient. The article shows the role of healthy and sick person concepts in the adaptation process. The transformation of these ideas may indicate a transition to another social group (a group of sick people), which involves the loss of the value of health and reduction of activity of the person in this situation.