the present invention provides novel human glucagon - like peptide - 1 peptide mimics that mimic the biological activity of the native glp - 1 peptide and thus are useful for the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders associated with glp activity . further , the present invention provides novel , chemically modified peptides that not only stimulate insulin secretion in type ii diabetics , but also produce other beneficial insulinotropic responses . these synthetic peptide glp - 1 mimics exhibit increased stability to proteolytic cleavage making them ideal therapeutic candidates for oral or parenteral administration .