In spite of advances in the management of diabetes mellitus, late complications still represent a problem. Research suggests that improved metabolic control, including the change of lifestyle, which requires the patient's own willingness and ability to adapt, could limit those complications. This article is intended to provide the background to a long-term research programme designed to gain a deeper understanding of diabetic patients' perspectives in their attempt to adapt. It uses the experiences of further groups of diabetic patients, in an attempt to show the usefulness of a cumulative approach towards the building up of a theoretical framework. Aims of study This study aims to: 1. give a background to a long-term qualitative theory generating study concerning patients' experiences of managing diabetes. 2. argue that diabetic patients (and nursing as a discipline) might benefit from qualitative research with a focus on the patients' perspective.