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Objective This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of fear of complications (FoC) among hospitalised people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in China and to provide insights for targeted nursing interventions.Design A phenomenological research approach was employed to conduct semistructured interviews and the Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method was used for data analysis. This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.Participants and setting 15 people with T2D were purposively recruited between March and July 2025 from the endocrinology departments of two tertiary hospitals in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province.Results Three themes and 11 subthemes were identified: (1) experiencing multiple negative psychological responses (distress from negative emotions, contradictory and painful psychological states, social alienation); (2) the triggers of fear are complex (adverse outcomes of similar patients, illness uncertainty, symptom burden, self-perceived burden, economic burden) and (3) employing diverse coping strategies (negative avoidance, positive self-adjustment, seeking social support).Conclusions Healthcare professionals should pay greater attention to FoC among people with T2D. Early psychological assessment, identification of fear triggers, strengthening social support and promoting adaptive coping strategies may help reduce fear and improve quality of life.