Abstract: An impressive number of references suggest that nuclear factor elytroid-derived factor 2-related factor (Nrf2) is the key player keeping the balance of redox state in vitro and in vitro. Activation of Nrf2 induces the expression of several genes, which are associated with anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis. The increasing data demonstrates that oxidative stress is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Nrf2 signaling pathway is involved in the improvement of dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Here, we try to summary the current advances about the role and its relative mechanisms of Nrf2 on the dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells, which might be beneficial and helpful to prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus.