Background: Type II diabetes is a global health problem. The proportion of population diagnosed with type II diabetes is increasing every year and the main reason for this is unhealthy lifestyles. Being diagnosed with type II diabetes requires lifestyle changes and self-care strategies, which are important for the patient to avoid complications. It is important that nurses have knowledge of what it is like to live with the disease to provide the best possible care.

Aim: The aim of this literature-based study was to describe adult patient’s experiences of living with diabetes type II.

Method: A literature-based study consisting of ten articles based on qualitative research was conducted. The five-stage model of Friberg was used as method to analyze those articles.

Results: The results showed three themes and six sub-themes. The themes were: “Different emotions that could be discerned to varying degrees in patients with type II diabetes”,“patients' experiences of changing their lifestyle” and “patient’s need for support”.

Conclusion: There are differences in how patients with different cultures and religious beliefs experience their illness. Many patients find it difficult to implement lifestyle changes in their daily lives. Patients who are willing to make dietary and exercise changes have better position for improving their health. Support from their surroundings were perceived as important for patients to be able to experience an improved quality of life.