OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to assess the use of transtheoretical model (TTM) in improving self-management activities in type 2 diabetic patients. Self-management activities include following a healthier diet, exercising more regularly, and an enhanced medication adherence. METHODS: Pubmed, Medline, Science direct, and Cochrane databases were searched with predefined terms relating to TTM interventions for type 2 diabetic patients. All study designs were included. The systematic search was conducted in March 2015. Two reviewers independently assessed the relevance of abstracts identified, extracted the data and undertook quality analysis.  The review was done using PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: Ten studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. All studies demonstrated some positive outcomes self-management due to implementing TTM. In six studies the patients reached the action or maintenance stage in the TTM cycle after the TTM intervention.  Moreover, TTM was able to help patients follow a healthier diet (n=5), exercise more (n=2), and it caused a reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (n=4). The impact of TTM on medication adherence is still unknown. CONCLUSIONS: TTM helps type 2 diabetic patients self-manage their condition, and to reach their goals, hence achieving better clinical outcomes, and quality of life.