Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent illness that causes major vascular, renal, and neurologic complications. Prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications are of paramount importance. Many new treatments have emerged over the past 5-10 years. Recent evidence shows that newer treatments may substantially reduce risk for cardiac and renal disease, suggesting that it may be necessary to change existing treatment paradigms. This review summarizes the evidence supporting diabetes prevention and treatment, focusing on aspects that are commonly in the purview of primary care physicians.