Introduction. Conscientious compliance with medical prescriptions is a key element of the therapeutic process in patients with type 2 diabetes. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent and with what involvement the family members of patients with type 2 diabetes participate in selected activities related to the treatment of diabetes and whether it has any impact on metabolic control. Material and methods. A total of 136 patients with type 2 diabetes were examined. The research was conducted by means of physical examination, laboratory tests (glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose and lipid profile) and questionnaire survey assessing family members’ participation in selected aspects of the therapeutic procedures in patients with diabetes. Results. The results of the study indicate that the extent of support and family involvement in helping the patient with type 2 diabetes are not satisfactory, and the received support is not reflected in better glycaemic control. The study showed a significant negligence not only in participation of family members but also of the patients themselves in diabetes education. Conclusions. The results indicate the need to intensify the education of the families of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, so that they provide greater support to the sick, particularly in terms of compliance with dietary recommendations.

Background. type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can influence the relationship between patients and their social environment. Some diabetics are afraid of discrimination because of their illness. Objectives. understanding who of their social circle those afflicted with type 2 diabetes inform of the course of their disease. Material and methods. 136 patients with type 2 diabetes, including 71 women and 65 men (age-median: 62.5, min-max: 40-84) were subjected to a survey study which included, firstly, questions on who they inform about their affliction, secondly, the degree to which they admit to the affliction as compared with selected carbohydrate metabolism parameters of their illness (HbA 1c , fasting glucose). Results. regarding their affliction, patients with type 2 diabetes most often inform their family members of their state of being, especially those who live with them (99.1%; 111), as well as those who do not live with them (86%; 117), then other people with diabetes (80.1%; 109), friends (72.8%; 99) and neighbours (63.2%; 86). in contrast, every second employed respondent did not inform their employer. the reason for admission to being type 2 diabetic was primarily motivated by a desire to prove that they can live a normal life while diabetic (60.3%; 86). there is a negative correlation between the level of HbA 1c and a willingness to reveal that the afflicted can live a normal life despite their diabetes (p < 0,05). Conclusions. our research shows that type 2 diabetics do not always inform certain people within their social environment about their illness. this may have negative consequences. the reasons for this behavior require further research.