Self-management is an important part of diabetes treatment, but the promotion of self-care activities
is still a challenge. In this study, we explored how living with diabetes in everyday life is
experienced following a self-management intervention program based on motivational interviewing.
We conducted 7 focus group interviews, each comprising 3 to 5 participants diagnosed with
type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Data analysis based on a phenomenological method revealed three
main themes concerning diabetes self-management: becoming a self-regulating practitioner,
managing the rules of self-management and creating a supportive social network. Narrative analysis
revealed a divergence in patients’ self-perceived competence in handling diabetes. The study
findings indicate that people with diabetes have specific needs for support in the daily responsibility
of managing diet, exercise, medication and blood glucose monitoring. A meaningful treatment
from the patient’s perspective would appear to be one that aims at overcoming problems
that the patient experiences in self-management of diabetes.