Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that has many physiological actions, including stimulating glucose induced insulin secretion, ß-cell proliferation, neogenesis and ß-cell mass. GLP-1 is secreted in response to the intake of food containing fat, protein hydrolysate and/or glucose. This study by Padidela et al aimed to understand the role of the GLP-1 response to feeding in newborns. In total 22 preterm and term newborn infants were given 60-70 ml of standard milk feed, and glucose, insulin and amidated forms of GLP-1 were measured pre-feed, and 20 and 60 min post-feed. The study found that basal and post-feed amidated GLP-1 levels were grossly raised in the newborns, and suggest that this may have a role in the maturation of the enteroendocrine system, and in developing increased ß–cell mass. The high levels of active GLP-1 may also be due to immaturity of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase, which cleaves GLP-1 to an inactive metabolite. The study highlights the need for further research into the role of GLP-1 in the neonatal period. Padidela, R., Patterson, M., Sharief, N., Ghatei, M., Hussain, K. European Journal of Endocrinology, 160, 53-58. DOI: 10.1530/EJE-08-0807