Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin deficiency but in particular by insulin resistance. Patients where it is not possible to achieve positive results within 4 - 12 weeks by optimalization of the lifestyle are candidates for treatment with oral antidiabetics. At present the following main groups of oral antidiabetics are discussed: insulin secretagogues (SU derivatives and methiglinide derivatives), biguanides (Metformin), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose, miglitol) and insulin sensitizers (thiazolindiones). Traditional SU therapy improves the insulin plasma levels by releasing insulin from the pancreas. This implies further stress on the b-cells and the function of these cells declines reversibly. Biguanides, such as metformin, are effective substances reducing the blood sugar level, they are however associated with the problem of tolerability and are contraindicated in some diabetics. A new approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes are thiasolinediones, insulin-sensitizing substances, the molecular basis of their action being via activation of PPARg-nuclear receptors with subsequent change in expression of genes participating in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

        Key words: Oral antidiabetics - Diabetes type 2 - Insulin resistance - Sulfonylurea derivatives - Glinides - Metformin - Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors - Thiasolinediones