Diabetes mellitus or diabetes, as a chronic disease that represents a global problem for the entire world population. Today, diabetes mellitus occupies a leading position in the morbidity and mortality statistics of the population in countries with a high standard of living, the so-called developed countries. Diabetes is a progressive disease. Since all systems of the human body are damaged, the type of manifestation and the severity of complications vary greatly. The treatment of patients with diabetes requires a multidisciplinary approach. Prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes aims to reduce the occurrence of the disease. It refers to improving the nutritional status, physical condition, and emotional state of the individual and society as a whole. This can be achieved by reducing risk factors and population strategies, i.e. by changing established harmful habits and modifying environmental factors. This research aims to determine the prevalence, frequency, and methods of self-control in studied patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to determine the most optimal model for planning and implementing a self-control program that provides patients with the best quality of glycoregulation and maintains the best quality of life. Research Methodology. The study was a prospective study involving 100 patients of both sexes suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted at the Ćuprija General Hospital within the Diabetes Consultation Center in the period from June 2009 to March 2010. The results and discussion of this study show that patients with type 2 diabetes have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their disease, as evidenced by the implementation of a self-control program, but they ignore the influence of diet and physical activity on the quality of glycaregulation. The cause of this phenomenon most likely lies in the level of education or lack of effort to raise it to a higher level when it comes to diet and physical activity. The modern approach to diabetes management is based on the active involvement of patients and family members, the adoption of healthier lifestyle habits, and the acquisition of new knowledge about diabetes. Conclusion. Self-control as the basis of good glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes is all that individuals can do for themselves and their health. Appropriately implemented self-control, based on good education, is the path to active participation in disease management and improved quality of life.

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