[Insulin therapy: as late as possible]

While in the past non insulin treatment options were limited, and a progressive beta cell loss was thought to happen over time, (early )insulin supplementation was believed to be necessary. Many data however now indicate that there is rather a beta cell dysfunction, and that a better life style management and the new medication can help to maintain a good glycemic control without insulin supplementation, and less problems with weight management and most importantly less hypoglycemia. Furthermore, studies could not provide evidence for a benefit by early insulin treatment.