Since their introduction in 1950, the sulfonylureas have been an essential component of type 2 diabetes treatment. Sulfonylurea increases insulin's secretion by beta cells of the pancreas, and therefore places the patient at risk of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is frequently severe and prolonged, particularly in cases where renal function is impaired. Over the last few years, data from retrospective studies have indicated that octreotide could play a central role in the management of severe sulfonylurea-induced hypoglycemia. A recent prospective randomized placebo-controlled study just confirmed for the first time that octreotide improved glycemia and reduced the number of hypoglycemic episodes when it was given in addition to a standard therapy.