What is the Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Model?

The Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide (STZ–NA) induced diabetic model is an experimental animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is widely used in preclinical research to mimic the metabolic and pathological features of human T2DM, including partial pancreatic β-cell damage, insulin resistance, and moderate hyperglycemia.

This model is created by administering streptozotocin (STZ)—a compound toxic to pancreatic β-cells—together with nicotinamide (NA), which partially protects β-cells from complete destruction. The result is a state of impaired insulin secretion with residual β-cell function, closely resembling the progression of type 2 diabetes in humans.

🔹 Key Features

Moderate hyperglycemia rather than extreme, allowing long-term studies.

Partial β-cell dysfunction → unlike full STZ-induced type 1 diabetes.

Insulin resistance present, reflecting human T2DM pathophysiology.

Stable and reproducible, suitable for pharmacological testing.

🔹 Induction Method

Nicotinamide (NA) injection (intraperitoneal, ~120–230 mg/kg) → provides partial protection to β-cells.

Streptozotocin (STZ) injection (usually 45–65 mg/kg) → induces β-cell damage.

Animals (commonly rats or mice) develop stable hyperglycemia within a few days.

🔹 Applications

Drug Screening: Oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin sensitizers, and β-cell protectants.

Mechanistic Studies: Pathophysiology of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and diabetic complications.

Therapeutic Development: Testing novel antidiabetic therapies (peptides, small molecules, gene therapy, stem cells).

✅ In summary:

The STZ–NA induced diabetic model is a well-established type 2 diabetes animal model that balances β-cell damage with insulin resistance, making it highly relevant for studying disease mechanisms and evaluating antidiabetic therapies.