Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder constituting a major health problem whose prevalence has gradually increased worldwide over the past few decades. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains more complex and heterogeneous and arises as a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate functional β-cell mass and comprises about 90% of all diabetic cases. Appropriate experimental animal models are essential for understanding the molecular basis, pathogenesis of complications, and the utility of therapeutic agents to abrogate this multifaceted disorder. Currently, animal models for T2DM are obtained as spontaneously developed diabetes or diabetes induced by chemicals or dietary manipulations or through surgical or genetic methods. The currently used diabetogenic agents have certain limitations. Recently, methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive compound derived mainly from glucose and fructose metabolism has been implicated in diabetic complications. MG is a major precursor of the advanced glycation end product (AGE) and promotes impaired functions of insulin signaling, GLUT transporters, anion channels, kinases, and endothelial cells and is finally involved in apoptosis. Recent array of literature also cited that higher concentrations of MG causes rapid depolarization, elevated intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, and acidification in pancreatic β-cells. This review henceforth highlights the mechanism of action of MG and its implications in the pathophysiology of experimental diabetes.