Aim To investigate the effect of high glucose on regulating the expression of CD36 and lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages. Methods THP-1 macrophages were incubated with different concentrations of D-glucose （5.6, 11, 20, 30 and 35 mmol/L）, 50 mg/L oxidized low density lipoprotein （ox-LDL）, 50 mg/L ox-LDL＋20 mmol/L D-glucose for 24 h. Total cholesterol content in THP-1 macrophages was determined by high performance liquid chromatography, the lipid accumulation was detected by oil red O stain. CD36 mRNA and protein levels were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blot, respectively. Results With the increase of D-glucose concentration treating THP-1 macrophages, the expression of CD36 mRNA and protein were up-regulated gradually （P<0.05）, high glucose in concert with ox-LDL induced the expression of CD36 mRNA and protein in THP-1 macrophages （P<0.05）, and enhanced the level of total cholesterol （P<0.05）. Conclusion High glucose can up-regulate the expression of CD36 and increase the lipid accumulation in THP-1 macrophages.