OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of self-care in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) in a specialized health service in Belo Horizonte - MG, Brazil. METHODS: The research was a case study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected by conducting focus groups with the participation of 12 individuals with diabetes and who attended three sessions of the educational program developed in this health service. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which allowed the identification of the following categories: experiences; feelings; practical education for self-care associated with food and physical activity; perceived barriers to the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle; and expectations. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed the importance of education and health communication guided the dialogical relations and appreciation of popular knowledge, by reorienting the educational practices for self care, in order to establish strategies for prevention and disease control.
Knowledge; Attitude to health; Self care; Health education; Diabetes mellitus