The cellular energy status is sensed by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which is activated upon increase in cytosolic AMP/ATP concentration ratio. Effects of AMPK include stimulation of cellular glucose uptake, glycolysis, stimulation of fatty acid oxidation and expression of enzymes required for ATP production. The Na⁺/glucose cotransporter SGLT1 mediates the Na⁺-coupled cellular uptake of glucose. As it is driven by the steep electrochemical gradient for Na⁺, it allows the glucose uptake even at low extracellular glucose concentrations. Thus, we hypothesized that AMPK may stimulate SGLT1. To test this hypothesis, SGLT1 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes either without or with AMPK and SGLT1 activity estimated from glucose-induced current (I_glu) in dual voltage clamp experiments. In oocytes expressing SGLT1 alone I_glu approached a maximal current of 0.0980.001 mA. Half maximal current was observed at 0.650.03 mM glucose concentration. In Xenopus oocytes coexpressing SGLT1 and AMPK, the maximal current (0.1630.002 mA) was significantly higher, whereas the glucose concentration needed (0.580.03 mM) for half maximal current was similar to the respective values in the absence of AMPK. The present observations disclose a novel function of AMPK serving cellular nutrient supply during energy depletion.