The incretin hormones GLP-1 and GIP are released from the gut during meals, and serve as enhancers of glucose stimulated insu-lin release from the beta cells. Furthermore, GLP-1 also stimu-lates beta cell growth and insulin biosynthesis, inhibits glucagon secretion, reduces free fatty acids and delays gastric emptying. GLP-1 has therefore been suggested as a potentially new treat-ment for type 2 diabetes.