In order to identify risk factors and to study alteration of cerebral vessels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease, ultrasound Doppler investigation of extracranial vessels was performed in 67 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Atherosclerotic lesions of the vessels were detected in 67% of patients, depending on age, gender, body mass index, duration of diabetes and hypertension, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose level fluctuations during the day. The number of vessels affected by atherosclerosis and a higher degree of carotid stenosis was significantly higher in patients undergoing brainstroke. Quality of life was significantly lower in patients with diabetes associated with cerebrovascular disease, especially in patients after brainstroke.