Objective To make sure the effect of insulin on HPMC. Methods Cell strains are subculturing. The capacity of proliferation of HPMC was assessed by tetrazolium salt colorimetry assay (MTT assay). We detect the level of LDH in culture medium in every group to make sure the injury of HPMC. Dyeing of HPMC with Hoechst 33258 to observe the morphologic change of apoptotic HPMC. Results LDH levels of supernatants increased, apoptosis induced and proliferation of HPMC was inhibited in 4.25% glucose group. No effect of insulin on proliferation of HPMC exists in different insulin group. Conclusion Insulin can injury HPMC and induce apoptosis as well as protect HPMC from toxicity of high glucose.