Objective To use ultrasound radio-frequency (RF) technology for investigating atherosclerosis degree difference between the left and right common carotid arteries (CCA) in patients with type 2 diabetes, and to analyze the related factors. Methods The compliance coefficient (CC) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the left and right common carotid arteries (CCA) were obtained by ultrasound RF technology. The ratios of the left to right CCAs were calculated: CCratio and PWVratio. The difference within groups was observed by left and right comparison and that between groups was observed by comparison of the same side. The relevant factors of CCratio and PWVratio were analyzed. Results (1) PWV of the left CCA was significantly higher than that of the right one and CC was significantly lower than that of the right one in patients with type 2 diabetes (P<0.05). The CC and PWV were not significantly different between the left and right CCAs in the control group. (2) Compared with the control group, patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly increased left PWV and right CC (P<0.05). (3) PWVratio and CCratio were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, disease course, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the independent risk factors for PWVratio; and age, HDL-C were the independent risk factor for CCratio. Conclusion The atherosclerosis degrees are different between the left and right CCA in patients with type 2 diabetes. The age, disease course, SBP, triglyceride and HDL-C are independent risk factors for the differences.