As a coupling between neural activity and cerebral blood flow， neurovascular unit is the key structure of the blood-brain barrier and plays a significant role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Peripheral insulin can enter the brain via the blood-brain barrier and thus play various roles on the central nervous system. Central insulin resistance， characterized by reduced sensitivity of brain cells to insulin， is one of the major pathogeneses of Alzheimer’s disease. The deficiency of insulin receptors in any cellular structure of neurovascular unit may be involved in the formation of central insulin resistance. In view of the importance of neurovascular unit and its association with central insulin， this article summarizes the main cells and their functions of the neurovascular unit， including endothelial cells， pericytes， astrocytes， and neurons， as well as the role of insulin signaling dysregulation of these specific cells in central insulin resistance. ［Citation:Journal of International Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2021, 48(4): 387-391.］