Diabetes is a disease characterized by a relative or absolute lack of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia. Due to the high prevalence of diabetic individuals all over the globe, extensive research is being carried out effective to develop more antidiabetic agents and to determine their mechanisms of action. Consequently, a number of diabetic animal models have been developed and improved over the years, of which rodent models are the most thoroughly described.

The animal models of type 2 diabetes can be obtained either spontaneously(genetics)or induced by chemicals, dietary, surgical manipulations or by various combinations. In this review my attention has been focused on gathering the animal models of type 2 diabetes, with reference to their characteristic, mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages to the investigators in type 2 diabetes research. For better and conclusive results, more than one animal model should be used to represent the diversity seen in human diabetic patients.