2-NBDG is widely used as a fluorescent glucose analog in biological research to study glucose uptake and metabolism in cells. It allows scientists to visualize and quantify glucose transport in real time using fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Because it mimics glucose, it is taken up by cells through glucose transporters, especially GLUT proteins, making it a valuable tool for investigating metabolic activity in cancer cells, which often show increased glucose uptake. It is commonly used in studies related to diabetes, obesity, and tumor metabolism. Its fluorescent properties enable non-invasive monitoring of metabolic changes in live cells without radioactive materials.