<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The control of diabetes mellitus type 2 implies that people are actively engaged in self-care behaviours and self-efficacy is one of the variables involved in this process. Based on the Model of Behavioural Change, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale assesses the psychosocial self-efficacy of people with this disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES-SF), namely its reliability and validity. <b><i>Method:</i></b> A methodological nature study was conducted, with a convenience sample comprising 123 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2. In a primary health care context, the participants were asked to fill the DES-SF, the Diabetes Self-care Scale, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Four weeks later and in order to evaluate stability over time, the self-efficacy scale was administered to a sub-sample comprised of 23 of these participants. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The study showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.83) and stability over time (<i>r</i> = 0.532, <i>p</i> = 0.009) of the DES-SF. The adjustment indices of the confirmatory factor analysis suggested the unidimensional nature of the scale. A positive association was found between self-efficacy and schooling (<i>r</i> = 0.209, <i>p</i> = 0.020), and self-care behaviours, in particular dietary (<i>r</i> = 0.221, <i>p</i> = 0.023) and physical exercise (<i>r</i> = 0.296, <i>p</i> = 0.002). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Reliability and validity of the DES-SF was confirmed, which demonstrates its usefulness in the context of clinical practice or in research studies involving the Portuguese population.

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