Abstract: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key enzyme in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism. Recent studies have also found that AMPK may promote apoptosis of islet beta cells. Studies have found that it can induce apoptosis by means of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis pathway and mTOR pathway. The pro-apoptotic effect and passible mechanims of AMPK in islet beta cells have been reviewed in this paper.