The consequences of type I diabetes on cellular endocytosis were investigated by comparing [125I]insulin, [125I]alpha 2-macroglobulin, and Lucifer yellow uptake in hepatocytes freshly isolated from control and STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition to the previously described reversible inhibition of ligand-induced internalization of the insulin receptor, we report a decrease in the constitutive receptor-mediated endocytosis of alpha 2-macroglobulin and a near abolition of fluid-phase endocytosis of Lucifer yellow in cells from diabetic animals. Despite decreased receptor autophosphorylation and internalization, the ligand-induced surface redistribution of the insulin receptor was normal in the diabetic cell population. By contrast, the insulin receptor association with clathrin-coated pits was impaired in diabetic cells as a result of a decreased concentration of these specialized invaginations on the nonvillous cell surface. The morphology and diameter of clathrin-coated pits were similar in both conditions under study. These results demonstrate a general impairment of endocytosis in hypoinsulinemic diabetes: receptor-mediated endocytosis was less affected than fluid-phase endocytosis. Impaired endocytosis of specific ligands or other macromolecules could be an important mechanism underlying the accumulation of extracellular matrix or even blood cholesterol removal in diabetes.