While there are many therapies for type 2 diabetes are available including insulin secretagogues, insulin sensitizers and exogenous insulin, many patients are unable to reach recommended therapeutic targets. Incretin-based therapies have recently been introduced into clinical practice, and these novel therapies may make it possible to achieve improved glycemic control either with no weight gain (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [DPP-4] inhibitors sitagliptin and vildagliptin, or with weight loss (glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] mimetics exenatide and liraglutide). This article aims to provide an overview of efficacy and safety data regarding incretin-based clinical trials in type 2 diabetic patients, and propose a systematic approach to treatment including patient selection and optimal treatment combination. In addition, preclinical data suggest that incretin-based therapies may also preserve-cell function. Therefore, these agents hold out promise of a truly disease-modifying therapy that would target the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes. Additional clinical trials will be required to test such hypothesis.