Shikonin treatment (10 mg/kg/day, i.p., for 4 days) decreased plasma glucose levels and improved insulin-resistance in spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. Shikonin stimulated the translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane and increased glucose uptake in rat-derived L6 myocytes. This evidence concerns the gene SLC2A4 and Insulin resistance.