Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a heterogeneous disorder and both genetic and nongenetic factors are associated with the development of diabetes. Until now five genes (HNF-4 alpha, glucokinase, HNF-1 alpha, IPF-1 and HNF-1 beta), whose mutation can result in MODY, insulin and insulin receptor genes, and mitochondria DNA have been reported to be responsible for diabetes. Furthermore the mutations in some genes which work for insulin secretion or action also have been reported. This review discusses our current knowledge of these NIDDM susceptibility genes.