The authors analyzed numerous scientific studies on the problem of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the extent of the spread is causing concern among experts around the world. The review examines and analyses the causes of the unrelated increase in the incidence of this pathology, the high risk of severe complications, comorbidities and deaths, reasons for the increase in the prevalence of the disease among children. Taking into account insufficient effectiveness of medical treatment of T2DM using synthetic drugs, the authors cites information on herbal medicine diabetes. The second part of this review provides an analysis of T2DM as a systemic disease, and analyses modern approaches to treatment pathology, issues of modern pharmacotherapy and its effectiveness, the possibility of combining pharmacotherapy and herbal medicine to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of T2DM and its complications. The review looks at the prospects for greater use of herbal medicine in diabetes to reduce the risk of severe complications, improve the quality and life expectancy of individuals, sufferers of this disease. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, T2DM, diabetogenesis, pharmacotherapy, herbal medicine.