Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) is secreted in a nutrient-dependent manner from enteroendocrine cells throughout the gastrointestinal tract and is trophic to the intestinal epithelial mucosa. GLP-2 acts via stimulation of crypt cell proliferation and inhibition of cell death. GLP-2 also stimulates intestinal glucose transport, decreases mucosal permeability, and shows therapeutic efficacy in experimental models of short bowel syndrome and both small and large bowel inflammation.