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Objetive: to determine the relationship between limited joint mobility (LJM) of the hand and the presence of atheroma plaques in the carotid arteries of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Material and methods: 80 patients with DM2, in two groups (40 with LJM and 40 without LJM), between 40 and 80 years. LJM was diagnosed with a positive prayer maneuver. Using B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries, atheromatous plaques were classified according to the Gray-Weale Scale. Results: There was no significant difference in age and sex between both groups. The LJM group had longer illness time. The values of VLDL cholesterol, urea and creatinine were significantly higher in the LJM group. Both groups of patients had the same type of treatment for diabetes, high blood pressure and anti-dyslipidemic. LJM was associated with a greater number of atheromas. Type I, II and III carotid plaques were more frequent in patients with LJM. Conclusions: patients with DM2 and with LJM have a greater number of atheroma plaques in the carotid arteries than patients without LJM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]