Background: Diabetes is one of the common aging-related diseases, and older people with diabetes are likely to have significant health issues. In long-term care facilities, nurses often face challenges in providing appropriate diabetes care for residents. This study aimed to describe the experience and perception of nurses in diabetes care at long-term care facilities.Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was administered to 1371 nurses representing different facilities. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data regarding demographic characteristics of participants, variables related to diabetes management, difficulties in diabetes care, and the recognition of educational opportunity needs in diabetes care as well as needs for diabetes care guidelines. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed to examine the associations among variables.Results: Among participants, 88.7% owned registered nurse license and had an average experience of 10.4 years in long-term care facilities. Approximately 61% perceived difficulties in recognizing signs/symptoms of acute metabolic failure due to hyperglycemia, while about 37% of participants did in being aware of the signs/symptoms of hypoglycemia. About 59% of participants perceived difficulties in managing blood glucose with respect to residents’ needs and preferences. Approximately 62% recognized educational opportunity needs and about 75% recognized the need for diabetes care guidelines suitable for long-term care facilities. These needs were related to the perception of difficulties, but not to variables related to diabetes management. Conclusion: This study identified the specific areas in which nurses experienced difficulties in diabetes care for residents and revealed the areas in which an approach for improving confidence of nurses in diabetes care is needed as a priority. Moreover, educational opportunities and diabetes care guidelines are required to improve the quality of care for long-term care residents.