Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays a crucial role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, particularly in glucose uptake and utilization. HIF-1 activates the transcription of genes encoding glucose transporters (SLC2A1 and SLC2A3), glycolytic enzymes (HK1 and HK2), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), which shunts pyruvate away from the mitochondria. This shift from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism helps maintain redox homeostasis and cell survival under hypoxic conditions. Many metabolic abnormalities in cancer cells increase HIF-1 activity, leading to a feed-forward mechanism that may promote tumor progression. HIF-1 also activates the transcription of BNIP3, which triggers selective mitochondrial autophagy, further contributing to cell survival under hypoxia. The review discusses the role of HIF-1 in controlling glucose and energy metabolism, as well as its involvement in other critical aspects of cancer biology.Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays a crucial role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, particularly in glucose uptake and utilization. HIF-1 activates the transcription of genes encoding glucose transporters (SLC2A1 and SLC2A3), glycolytic enzymes (HK1 and HK2), and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), which shunts pyruvate away from the mitochondria. This shift from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism helps maintain redox homeostasis and cell survival under hypoxic conditions. Many metabolic abnormalities in cancer cells increase HIF-1 activity, leading to a feed-forward mechanism that may promote tumor progression. HIF-1 also activates the transcription of BNIP3, which triggers selective mitochondrial autophagy, further contributing to cell survival under hypoxia. The review discusses the role of HIF-1 in controlling glucose and energy metabolism, as well as its involvement in other critical aspects of cancer biology.