Aim To compare and investigate the different methods for establishing type 2 diabetic atherosclerosis rat models. Methods 5 Wistar rats were chosen control group and 15 GK rats were randomly divided into three groups: hypertriglyceride diet (12 weeks) group, hypercholesterol diet with vitamin D (12 weeks) group and hyperchlesterol diet with vitamin D (24 weeks) group. Histopathology was used to observe the atherosclerotic lesions. Results There were no obvious morphologic changes in these four groups by light microscope. The macrophage-related antigen expressions in the aorta were not observed in all the four groups. Absence in abnormal expression of SMC-related antigens was shown in all of them. Conclusion All of the three methods were not successful in establishing diabetic atherosclerotic rat models in Wistar rats.