Background: Diabetes type 2 is a growing health issue and its complications takes lifes all over the world. In order for an individual with type 2 diabetes to be able to live as satisfactorily as possible, knowledge and responsibility for self management is required. Previous studies show that self management is affected by barriers and facilitating factors.The self manegment is constanty present and means making decisions in daily life.

Aim: The aim of this study were to highlight factors that may affect the individual's self management in type 2 diabetes.

Method: A literature based study with a qualitative approach. 13 scientific articles were analyzed according to Friberg.

Results: The study presents four main themes: knowledge, relationships, adaptability and degree of acceptance. From these main themes nine sub-themes emerged: the guessing game is over, lack of knowledge, partner in crime, family members, healthcare professionals, strategies, lost self-control, if you don't see it it does not exist and the best policy.

Conclusion: The relationship between the individual and the nurse has a significant role in self-management. The nurse should offer group education as this may facilitate self-management and lifestyle changes. Nurses should involve relatives in self-management as relatives' support was seen as a facilitating factor. By involving close relatives, stigma of society can be reduced as knowledge of the disease and self-care is spreading. Through personalized care, the nurse can provide the individual with options to self-management.