Background: Every ten seconds someone in the world dies of diabetes and two others are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2. Early identification and focus on persons with increased risk for diabetes mellitus type 2 is necessary in order to reduce the incidence of this disease. The nurse has an important role for persons at risk for, or already diagnosed with, diabetes mellitus type 2, but nurses often feel disappointed regarding the performance of preventive measures. Aim: To identify and synthesise published qualitative studies, which highlight nurse’s experiences of preventive measures directed at persons with, or at risk of developing, diabetes mellitus type 2. Design: Meta-synthesis of nine scientific articles utilising qualitative methods was completed with the help of an interpretation of Noblit and Hares (1988) description of a metaethnography synthesis. Result: Measures for improved self-care is viewed by nurses as positive and represents an opportunity to improve overall patient care. Nurses experience that practical considerations – including resource availability, the patient’s motivation and desire for lifestyle change –prevent treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 and that healthcare consultations are difficult to implement. Nurses are disappointed with regards to consultations. For this reason many nurses see a need to motivate the patient in order to achieve good control and to create a good relationship. There remains some disagreement as to which education is best for giving patients control and empowerment. Nurses also perceive their role differently. Conclusions: More education regarding measures for self-care, better cooperation between the healthcare system and the community at large, as well as a more united effort within healthcare for persons with, or at risk for developing, diabetes mellitus type 2 would be valuable measures.