Pancreatic beta-cells of sulfonylurea receptor type 1 knock-out (SUR1(-/-)) mice exhibit an oscillating membrane potential (V (m)) demonstrating that hyper-polarisation occurs despite the lack of K(ATP) channels. We hypothesize that glucose activates the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase thus increasing a hyper-polarising current. Elevating glucose in SUR1(-/-) beta-cells resulted in a transient fall in V (m) and [Ca(2+)](c) independent of sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-activated ATPase (SERCA) activation. This was not affected by K(+) channel blockade but inhibited by ATP depletion and by ouabain. Increasing glucose also reduced [Na(+)](c), an effect reversed by ouabain. Exogenously applied insulin decreased [Na(+)](c) and hyper-polarised V (m). Inhibiting insulin signalling in SUR1(-/-) beta-cells blunted the glucose-induced decrease of [Ca(2+)](c). Tolbutamide (1 mmol/l) disclosed the SERCA-independent effect of glucose on [Ca(2+)](c) in wild-type beta-cells. The data show that in SUR1(-/-) beta-cells, glucose activates the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase presumably by increasing [ATP](c). Insulin can also stimulate the pump and potentiate the effect of glucose. Pathways involving the pump may thus serve as potential drug targets in certain metabolic disorders.