To (1) describe barriers to diabetes prevention and self-management, (2) explore how religious beliefs inform diabetes prevention and self-management and (3) describe community action strategies to address the problem of diabetes locally.

Qualitative, descriptive design.

Three Moravian Churches located, respectively, in Bluefields, Pearl Lagoon and Tasbapounie on Nicaragua’s Southern Atlantic Coast.

Using convenience sampling procedures, local church pastors or leaders, health professionals and local lay adults with or at-risk for type 2 diabetes were recruited. Structured by an interview guide, focus groups were conducted. Data were analysed using Krippendorff’s content analysis method.

Barriers to diabetes prevention and self-management behaviours included financial constraints, inconsistent availability of diabetes medications and testing supplies, and limited diabetes knowledge. Religious faith was identified as central in coping with the daily demands of preventing or self-managing diabetes. Community action strategies to address diabetes included (1) the formation of interdisciplinary diabetes teams, (2) church-based diabetes care and (3) public health announcements.

Findings informed culturally sensitive diabetes prevention and self-management education through the identified community action strategies.