Introduction: patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus faces the task of adapting to discomfort and loss of physical control, as well as changes in appearance. The treatment aims to relieve symptoms, maintain metabolic control, prevent complications and improve quality of life. Goal: to evaluate the effect of a program of health education in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as part of non-pharmacological treatment. Methodology: a before-after quasi-experimental design was conducted. 13 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Socio-demographic aspects and their level of knowledge about the disease were assessed. They received an educational program regarding nutrition, exercise and stress management. This program consisted of 16 sessions of two hours. Measurements of glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) were performed before and after the intervention. Results: the educational program had positive effects because the results before the workshop showed that 61.5% of participants had poor-regular knowledge about the disease and its care, plus 84.6% of participants obtained percentages of HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. After the educational program, 100% of patients achieved a good level of knowledge and only 53.8% of the population reached an HbA1c level ≥ 6.5%. Conclusion: the educational program helps the patient cope in a better way their condition.