Background: Diabetes Mellitus type 2 is a public health disease that is increasing. Risk-factors that can lead to DMT2 is smoking, overweight, inheritance, poor diet and lack of physical activity. To prevent complications that can occur at DMT2 implementing self-care measures that can be performed by yourself at home with the support of caregivers is important, such as good diet, enough physical activity and regular blood sugar measurement.

Aim: To describe people’s experience of self-care in DMT2. Method: A descriptive literature study with a qualitative approach that included 11 articles. The database search was performed in the databases PubMed and CINAHL. Result: The authors saw that support from care givers was important to get a functioning self-care. The authors also identified that diet, physical activity and blood sugar measurement can reduce the risk of diabetic complications because it motivated people to perform self-care. The disease makes many people feel limited in their daily life, which lead to isolation and a feeling of loneliness. Conclusion: The authors saw that support from healthcare was important. Motivation to change diet and perform physical activity was difficult, but it showed that people who tested their blood sugar regularly were more motivated to self-care. More support is needed for people with DMT2 on how to deal with the emotional and social impact. The results of the literature study are a good basis for healthcare professionals in order to get a better understanding of people's experience of DMT2 and thereby be able to support the persons better.