If FPG was replaced by 2hPG in both models, lipocalin-2 or RBP4 remained as a significant factor associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.08–4.83, P = 0.031; OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.21, P<0.001, respectively). Here, RBP4 is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.