Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive and heterogeneous disease. The decrease in insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and the increase of glucagon secretion by pancreatic beta cells, are the two major pathophysiologic characteristics. The majority of type 2 diabetics will therefore require insulin in the evolution of their disease, with weight gain and hypoglycaemia as side effects. GLP-1 analogs are effective therapeutic alternatives due to their actions on glucagon and insulin secretion, on satiety and gastric emptying. For patients inadequately controlled with conventional antidiabetics, GLP-1 analogs, introduced as an alternative or in combination with insulin, can prevent or reduce the side effects associated with insulin. Indeed, the risk of hypoglycaemia is reduced and the vicious circle of weight gain secondary to insulin/need to increase insulin doses is limited.