Objective To explore the effect of naringenin on the insulin resistance of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and the relationship between the overexpression of miR-29b and the effects of naringenin on insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, in order to further illustrate the mechanism by which naringenin acts in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Methods Dexamethasone was used to induce differentiated and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, after which an insulin resistance (IR) model was established. Different concentrations of naringenin were used to intervene in IR model cells and IR models cells transfected with miR-29b mimics and inhibitor. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the gene and protein expression of IRS-1, Akt / p-Akt and GLUT4. Results Naringenin intervention increased the gene and protein expression of IRS-1, Akt / p-Akt and GLUT4 that was reduced in 3T3-L1 IR model cells. Naringenin increased 3T3-L1 IR model cell IRS-1, Akt / p-Akt and GLUT4 gene and protein expression by inhibiting the overexpression of miR-29b. Conclusions These result show that naringenin can ameliorate insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which may improve the expression of related proteins in the PI3K/ Akt signaling pathway by inhibiting the high expression of miR-29b.