Aim To investigate the relationship between glycopropean complex of activated platelets (PAC 1) and cervical atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods PAC 1 were measured by FCA in 118 type 2 diabetic patients (73 with cervical atherosclerosis, 45 without cervical atherosclerosis). The correlation of PAC 1, age, diabetic courses, blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose and renal function with cervical atherosclerosis was evaluated. Results The level of PAC 1 in diabetic group was significantly higher than that in control group. PAC 1 in diabetic group with cervical atherosclerosis was higher than those without cervical atherosclerosis. Moreover PAC 1, age, disease course, plasma glucose, GHbA 1, blood pressure and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) was positively correlated with cervical atherosclerosis. Conclusion The high level of PAC 1 is the independent risk factor for diabetic patients suffering from cervical atherosclerosis.