Clinicians have a greater range of antidiabetic treatments to choose from than ever,but this has brought a new level of complexity to management.In addition,polypharmacy has become the norm for many patients with type 2 diabetes in recognition of the importance of treating hypertension and dyslipidaemia,both commonly encountered and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.The main classes of oral antidiabetic drugs are broadly similar in their glucose-lowering capacity,at least in the short-to medium term.Accordingly,the most appropriate therapy should be selected according to the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patient,safety considerations always being a major cnsideration.The UKPDS has influenced prescribing in the UK