Objectives To summarize the regulation of glucagon-like peptide-1（GLP-1） level by metabolism of gastrointestinal nutrients. Methods Domestic and international publications online involving regulation of GLP-1 level by metabolism of gastrointestinal nutrients in recent years were collected and reviewed. Results GLP-1 influenced insulin secretion and sensitivity， and played a leading role in recovery of glucose metabolism. Metabolism of gastrointestinal nutrients regulated GLP-1 level. Studies had shown that GLP-1 was a candidate mediator of the effects of gastric bypass （GBP） for type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）. Conclusions It plays an important role in anti-T2DM effects of GBP that metabolism of gastrointestinal nutrients regulated GLP-1 level. The corresponding studies can provide a novel clinical field to treat T2DM.