The present invention relates to methods for the treatment and repair of cartilage, including cartilage damaged by injury or cartilaginous disorders, including arthritis, comprising the administration of insulin and/or insulin variants. Optionally, the administration may be in combination with a cartilage agent (e.g., peptide growth factor, catabolism antagonist, osteo-, synovial, anti-inflammatory factor), in an extended- or sustained-release form. Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or cartilaginous disorders comprising the administration of insulin and/or insulin in combination with standard surgical techniques. Alternatively, the method provides for the treatment and repair of cartilage damaged by injury or cartilaginous disorders comprising the administration of chondrocytes previously treated with an effective amount of insulin and/or insulin variant.