Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by heredity, obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. It has been estimated by The World Health Organization that the number of people with diabetes worldwide will increase. Self-care can help the patient with diabetes to live with the illness and nurses can strengthen the patients’ motivation to use self-care. The aim of this study was to describe patients’ with diabetes experiences of nurses’ treatment in promoting self-care.This is a qualitative study containing patient observations and semi-structured interviews. The patients were recruited from a health care center in a village in northern Thailand. Inclusion criteria were patients living with diabetes type 2. The results showed that the patients felt that the nurses’ care made them comfortable and safe. They felt grateful for the nurse’s contribution and of being seen as the person they are. Self-care was seen as important in order to manage the illness and patients with diabetes type 2 felt encouragement and motivation through the nurses’ engagement. In conclusion, this study shows that as long as the patient-nurse relationship is good and the communication between them works well, the patients feel satisfaction in treatment and empowered in promoting self-care.