Abstract: Both dysfunction of pancreatic β cells and β cells apoptosis were important factors contributing to type 2 diabetes. Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism all existed in type 2 diabetes .With the study further progressing, more and more attention were paid to pancreatic β cells apoptosis accelerated by abnormal lipid metabolism. The literature about β cells injury by lipotoxicity, apoptosis induced factors accompanied by free fatty acids, and relevant mechanism was reviewed in this article.

Key words: type 2 diabetes, abnormal lipid metabolism, apoptosis, β cell