The present invention comprises growth hormone releasing peptides/peptidomimetics (GHRP) capable of causing release of growth hormone from the pituitary. Compositions containing the GHRP's of this invention are used to promote growth in mammals either alone or in combination with other growth promoting compounds, especially IGF-1. In a method of this invention GHRP's in combination with IGF-1 are used to treat Type II diabetes. An exemplary compound of this invention is provided below ##STR00001##