Nicolucci A, et al. - Because information on treatment patterns in individuals with type 2 diabetes in many nations are sparse, researchers reported treatment data from DISCOVER, a global, prospective, observational study program for patients with type 2 diabetes initiating a second-line glucose-lowering therapy. In 14,668 patients from 37 countries across six regions, first- and second-line treatments were evaluated. Metformin monotherapy and combinations of metformin with a sulphonylurea were the most common first-line therapies. Metformin combinations with other agents, including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors or sulphonylureas, were the most common second-line therapies among patients prescribed first-line metformin monotherapy. According to findings, first-line metformin monotherapy was less common than expected, and in some regions of the world, the use of newer second-line therapies was uncommon. The socioeconomic status of patients has been associated with patterns of treatment, suggesting that choices of therapy are influenced by cost and access. Choice of second-line therapy after metformin monotherapy was impacted by both clinical and non-medical factors.