Health care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus cuidados em saúde aos pacientes portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 atención de salud para pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2

Objectives: to identify and to analyze the main health care actions for patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and to study how patients perform self-care. Method: a bibliographic, descriptive, and integrative review study was performed. The searched databases were MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, BDENF, and the SciELO virtual library, with a time frame from 2013 to 2018. The descriptors " Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus", "Nursing Care" and "Self-care" were crossed, totaling 788 studies that were evaluated following a careful evaluation method. The final sample consisted of 17 articles. Results: the following three categories were evidenced within the studies: Use, administration, and storage of medications; Glycemic control and foot self-care; and Diet, physical activity, body weight, and family support. Conclusion: nurses should develop educational activities and be aware of their educational role to help patients understand the need for treatment and the importance of treatment adherence. Descriptors: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Self Care; Nursing Care; Nursing; Patients; Health.