ABSTRACT
I n tro d u c tio n: People with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are vulnerable to COVID-19. Therefore, it's important to maintain good self-management (diet, exercise, medicine, and health care visitations) during pandemics. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's difficult for them to maintain adequate self-management. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the self-management of people with DM during the pandemic, especially in a remote area of Indonesia. M ethods: This study is qualitative and uses the phenomenology method. The data was obtained from 10 people with Diabetes Mellitus using face-to-face interviews. Data collected was analyzed thematic using Atlas.ti software and statements from participants were presented verbatim to illustrate the themes realized. Results: Participants'experience in self-management during COVID-19 was categorized into three themes and ten sub-themes. The three themes emerged from the study: psychological distress of being vulnerable to COVID-19, preferring traditional over medical treatment,andprejudgmenttowardhealthcareworkers and facilities. Conclusion: Rural residents with DM experience psychological distress, leading to poor self-management and stigma toward healthcare workers and facilities. Therefore, it is important to do comprehension care consisting of self-management, psychologicalcare,andeducationonthestigmaaround COVID-19 for people with DM. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.