Despite the availability of a large number of therapeutic options throughout the world, rates of optimal glycaemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus remain low. Delays in treatment intensification to insulin and low adherence to insulin regimes, which are well-documented contributors to poor glycaemic control, are in many cases driven by fear of hypoglycaemic events, weight gain and injections. Over the last 10 years, injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) have emerged as alternatives to basal insulin for treatment intensification in patients inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs. As a class, GLP1-RAs are associated with weight loss and fewer hypoglycaemic events than insulin. In addition, some of them are available in once-a-week formulations and therefore require fewer injections. However, as randomized controlled trials are not representative of everyday practice, physicians should consider the results of real-life studies to guide their treatment decisions. In this review, while significant variations in efficacy, tolerability and adherence data were noted from one study to another, rates of glycaemic control overall were low. Indeed, our present analysis has suggested that regular re-evaluations of treatment, including response, tolerability, adherence, cost and quality of life, are necessary.