Background: Diabetes type 2 is one of our major public diseases. The number of individuals living with diabetes type 2 and those who are at risk of developing diabetes type 2 has increased. The disease can be treated and the consequences avoided. If nurses would work health promotively and preventively, more individuals could avoid developing diabetes type2.

Aim: The aim was to describe nurses' experiences of health promotional and preventive work against diabetes type 2.

Method: In the study, a method to contributing to evidence-based nursing with a ground in analysis of qualitative research has been used. This method was used to get a better understanding of the nurse's experiences of health promotional and preventive work. An analysis of ten qualitative articles was carried out, which resulted in three main themes and eight subthemes.

Results: The result showed the importance of creating an equal relationship between the nurse and individuals at risk of developing diabetes type 2 who needs to go through a lifestyle change. The result also showed that support from the environment is important for lifestyle changes, but also that nurses need support from the organization for their work. Finally, the result showed that the nurse's health promotional and preventive work creates benefits for both the individuals and the organization.

Conclusion: Health promotional and preventive work leads to increased quality of life for individuals, reduced workload for nurses and reduced costs for the organization.