The gut microflora is a combination of all microbes in intestine and their microenvironment, and its change can sensitively reflect the relevant response of the body to external environment and remarkably affect body's metabolism as well. Recent studies have found that cold exposure affects the body's gut microflora, which can lead to changes in the body's metabolism of glucose and lipid. This review summarizes recent research on the effects of cold exposure on gut microbes and metabolism of glucose and lipid, aiming to provide some new ideas on the approaches and measures for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity.