Background: Diabetes is a common disease where the degree of self-management is of paramount importance. Individual factors influences both cooping and general wellbeing among diabetic patients. Glycemic control is known to be important but other factors ought to be considered. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe how individual self-management influences the general wellbeing among adult diabetic patients. Method: This literature study is based on scientific articles. Results: Our findings indicate that the degree of individual self-management has a major impact on both daily and future wellbeing. The degree of individual self-management, above all, affects glycemic control and hence the risk of future complications. Factors influencing the degree of individual self-management were cooping strategies, education, control, goals, faith in the future, depression healthcare support and social support. All these factors pose obstacles and possibilities for the individual patient.