Until 1995 sulphonylureas and metformin formed the mainstay of oral pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Since then many new insulin secretagogues and new classes of oral antihyperglycaemic agents have been launched. This has improved the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Oral agents available currently in Indian market are: Those predominantly targeting beta cell dysfunction, those predominantly targeting insulin resistance and those inhibit carbohydrate absorption. Strategies for treatment with oral antihyperglycaemic agents are: Targeting fasting hyperglycaemia, targeting postprandial hyperglycaemia, minimising cost therapy, minimising weight gain and minimising patient effort strategies. Special situations where antihyperglycaemic agents used are: Teenage diabetes, elderly diabetes, persons with erratic lifestyle, persons with cardiac disease, renal disease and in pregnancy.