Streptozotocin (STZ) is a glucosamine-nitrosourea which is commonly used to induce experimental diabetes in animals. It specifically targets beta cells, entering via the glucose transporter GLUT2 and causing alkylation of DNA. DNA damage induces activation of poly ADP-ribosylation, depletion of cellular NAD+ and ATP, and formation of superoxide radicals, leading to the destruction of beta cells.The effectiveness of STZ depends on the level of GLUT2 expression, which in turn may be influenced by age, sex, strain, or species.