Agents introduced into therapy of type 2 diabetes in the last few years are still the subject of numerous clinical and experimental studies. Although many studies have been completed, we still do not know all aspects of these drugs' action, especially the long-term effects of their use. Most questionable is their impact on the processes of cell proliferation, on the cardiovascular and immune systems, on lipids and uric acid metabolism. A summary of the most important observations on the use of three groups of new drugs - analogs of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and inhibitors of sodium glucose cotransporters (SGLT1 and SGLT2) - has been made, based on a review of the literature over the past five years (2010-2014). The information included in the present review concerns the structure and activity relationship, therapeutic efficacy, side effects and the observed additional therapeutic effects, which can determine new standards in therapy of diabetes and also facilitate the development of better antidiabetic drugs.