Abstract: Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) can interacts with thioredoxin (Trx) to inhibit the reducing activity of Trx reductase and it plays an antioxidant effect through disulfide formation with Trx. In recent years, Txnip has been widely concerned due to its regulatory role in glucose and fat metabolism, as well as the close relationship with pancreatic b cells dysfunction and apoptics. Therefore, Txnip has been thought to be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Here, we will try to summarize current researches about the roles of Txnip on the development of T2DM, especial for the dysfunction and cellular apoptosis of pancreatic β cells.