Abstract : The pharmacological therapy of type 2 diabetes has become increasingly complex and the goals are now more diverse and, in general, more stringent. The glycaemic target (glycated haemoglobin or HbA1c) and the medications to be prescribed to reach it should be selected according to the individual characteristics of the patient and, if possible, in agreement with him/her. The most relevant criteria to be taken into account are the glucose-lowering efficacy, the risk of hypoglycaemia, the effect on body weight, the side effects and the costs. We summarize here the strategy proposed in the joint «position statement» published in 2012 by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). We will more particularly focus our attention on the practical aspects useful for the clinician.