This article is a qualitative assistential convergent study. Its primary objective is to comprehend the elements that influence a living process for people with Diabetes Mellitus. Twenty-six people participated in this study in a Basic Public Health Care Clinic in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data was collected through the responses of semi-structured interviews and quotes from people in the living group. The elements that influence life for people with Diabetes Mellitus were identified as: acceptance of the disease, family support, incorporation of day-to-day care, disposition to overcome difficulties, and maintaining an occupation/job. The living group was considered an element that contributed to a healthier living process by promoting an exchange of experiences and the sharing of knowledge. The role of nursing in this discussion is to facilitate and to offer support for the construction of new possibilities and qualification for living with a chronic health care condition.
Death; Friends; Aging health