The insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) is an explosive subject within health economics. This article discusses the significance of treating DM 2 patients with long-acting insulin analogues. Several studies have shown that the therapy with insulin glargine is associated with a markedly lower rate of hypoglycaemia compared to NPH insulin. As the improvement of HbA1c is accompanied by a higher risk for hypoglycaemia, this goal is accomplished more effectively and safely with long acting insulin analogues.