【Objective】 To evaluate the value of maximum carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) for predicting coronary artery disease (CAD) in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 【Methods】 Ninety-eight patients with T2DM were divided into CAD group (n = 48) and non-CAD group (n = 50). Maximum cIMT

clinical and laboratory data were assessed. 【Results】 Maximum cIMT was significantly higher in CAD group than that in non-CAD group [1.30 mm (1.13

1.40) vs 1.00 mm (0.80

1.20)

P < 0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that maximum cIMT was associated with CAD after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors (OR = 3.135

95%CI 1.501 ~ 6.549

P < 0.001)

which was an independent predictor of T2DM with CAD. ROC curve showed the cut-off level of maximum cIMT for screening CAD was 1.15 mm. When maximum cIMT was larger than 1.15 mm

the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 70%

respectively. 【Conclusion】 Maximum cIMT is an independent predictor of T2DM with CAD. It has a decent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity on predicting T2DM with CAD. Maximum cIMT could be used as a simple

noninvasive and useful marker for prediction of CAD in type 2 diabetic patients.