Objective To investigate pathogenesy and therapeutic prospect of diabetes mellitus accompanied lower limb vascular lesion. Methods Relevant literatures of recent years were reviewed. Results Diabetes mellitus is one of the main risk factor causing peripheral artery disease. The site of vascular lesion often occur in major blood vessel and micrangium. The arterial sclerosis and decreased blood supply in microcirculation are important factors of lower limb ischemia. Lower limb ischemia in patients with diabetes mellitus is a common complication. Medical treatment and surgical treatment are the methods to improve symptoms of the complication. Conclusion Surgical therapy is an effective method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus accompanied lower limb vascular lesion.