OBJECTIVES: The goals of treatment for type 2 diabetes are to prevent diabetic complications through intervention for hyperglycaemia, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The aim of this study was to describe the type of treatment patients receive and their attainment of treatment goals in an unselected population of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In 2007, 35 GP centres in all areas of Norway (response rate 25%) had eight types of data (including laboratory tests, drug prescriptions) extracted from their electronic record systems for all patients who had consulted for type 2 diabetes in 2000 or later. Data were analysed with descriptive measures and regression techniques. RESULTS: There has been a trend towards lower HbA1c values since 2000, and 53% of the last recorded value was below 7%. The proportion of patients with HbA1c value below 7% was 57% for patients on one oral antidiabetic drug, but 30% for those on five drugs. At the last visit, 39% of the patients had blood pressure below 135/85, and 36% of all patients were on antihypertensive treatment. While 50% of patients without antihypertensive drug had a blood pressure below 135/85, the proportions were 36% for those on one drug and 35% fore those on two drug. While the mean total cholesterol was 5.6 mmol/l in 2000, the value was 4.9 in 2007. At the last consultation, 51% of the patients had a total cholesterol value below 5.0 mmoml/l.CONCLUSIONS: In a general diabetes two population, glyceamic control and lipid levels have improved over the last seven years. Use of multiple oral antidiabetics is an indicator of poor glycaemic control.