Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) compound and a Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) compound in combination for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diabetes, more in particular type 2 diabetes, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain FGF21 and GLP-1 compounds in combination, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The combination has a significant effect on parameters of relevance for diabetes type 2, viz. on the viability of beta cells ex vivo in the presence of free fatty acids, on caspase activity of beta cells ex vivo (a measure of cell apoptosis), and a blood glucose lowering effect on db/db mice in vivo.