Aim To investigate the effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ （PPARγ） on the expression of CD36 and the lipid accumulation induced by high glucose in THP-1 macrophages. Methods THP-1 macrophages were incubated with 20 mmol/L D-glucose, 10 mmol/L GW9662, and 50 mg/L oxidized low density lipoprotein （ox-LDL） for 24 h, combinated or respectively. The total cholesterol contents in THP-1 macrophages were determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and the lipid accumulation was detected by oil red O stain. CD36 and PPARγ mRNA level were determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, respectively. CD36 and PPARγ protein level were determined by Western blot. Results GW9662 significantly inhibited the expression of CD36 and lipid accumulation induced by high glucose in THP-1 macrophages. The expression of CD36 mRNA and protein was significantly suppressed by GW9662 （P<0.05）, intracellular lipid decreased obviously and the total cholesterol in THP-1 macrophages was markedly reduced subsequently （P<0.05）. Conclusion High glucose induces CD36 expression and lipid accumulation through the modulation of PPARγ in THP-1 macrophages.