Abstract: Diabetes mellitus has become a chronic metabolic disease that seriously threatens global public health. Its severe complications markedly increase mortality and disability, and insulin resistance is the core pathological mechanism. Thus, new therapeutic targets are needed. In recent years, activation of brown adipose tissue （BAT） and browning of white adipose tissue （WAT）, owing to their distinct thermogenic function and metabolic regulatory roles, have become focal areas in the research of diabetes treatment. Accordingly, this review systematically summarizes research advances concerning BAT activation and WAT browning in diabetes mellitus and the regulation of glucose metabolism, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which BAT activation and WAT browning improve insulin sensitivity, maintain glucose homeostasis, and enhance energy metabolism, aiming to provide more precise and effective clinical interventions for patients with diabetes mellitus.