In type-2 diabetes, the overall incretin effect is reduced. 17-36 amidel dose-dependently augmented insulin secretion (insulin, C-peptide) in both groups (P < 0.05). With GIP, the maximum effect in type-2 diabetic patients was significantly lower (by 54%; P < 0.05) than in normal subjects. With GLP-1 17-36 amidel type-2 diabetic patients reached 71% of the increments in C-peptide of normal subjects (difference not significant). Glucagon was lowered during hyperglycemic clamps in normal subjects, but not in type-2 diabetic patients, and further by GLP-1 17-36 amidel in both groups (P < 0.05), but not by GIP. In conclusion, in mild type-2 diabetes, GLP-1 17-36 amidel, in contrast to GIP, retains much of its insulinotropic activity. It also lowers glucagon concentrations. (J. Clin. Invest. 1993. 91:301-307.) Key words: enteroinsular axis* gastric inhibitory peptide -glucagon-like peptide 1 17-36 amidel * hyperglycemic clamp * incretin hormones -pancreatic glucagon