GLUT inhibitor-1 is primarily used in research settings to study glucose metabolism and its regulation in cells. It specifically inhibits glucose transporters (GLUTs), making it a valuable tool for understanding the role of glucose uptake in various biological processes. Researchers use it to investigate conditions like cancer, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, where altered glucose transport plays a critical role. By blocking glucose uptake, it helps in elucidating the metabolic dependencies of cells and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, it is employed in studies focused on the development of drugs that modulate glucose transport for treating metabolic diseases.