Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is increasing and is predicted to be the seventh most common cause of death in 2030. Obesity, unhealthy food and lack of physical activity is the reason that DMT2 is diagnosed in younger ages.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to illuminate adults experience to live with DMT2.

Method: A method to contribute to evidence-based nursing with ground in analysis of qualitative research was performed to get a better understanding about the life situation for people with DMT2. An analysis of ten qualitative studies was conducted. The analysis resulted in three themes and six sub-themes.

Results: The result showed that people with DMT2 felt that they couldn´t live like everyone else because of the disease. They lived in denial and had a feeling of powerlessness caused by the disease. To take control of the disease they needed support from their environment.

Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was that it can be hard to accept and live with DMT2. Knowledge and information from the nurse was important to get confident to handle DMT2 in daily life.