Abstract: Objective The polymorphism of D6S2420 locus,a genetic marker linked closely to type 1 diabetes mellitus 5 (IDDM5) was studied by polymerase chain reaction polyacrylamide gel.Methods Electrophoresis (PCR PAGE) and direct sequencing of PCR products were conducted in 105 normal Chinese Hans,48 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 22 patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).Results The frequency of allele A 4 at D6S2420 locus was increased significantly in patients with IDDM compared with that in the control group (26.04% vs 12.86%, P <0 05).No differences in allele frequencies at D6S2420 locus was observed between patients with LADA and control group ( P >0 05).Conclusion IDDM5 is associated with IDDM,but not with LADA in Chinese population,there may be difference in genetic factors involved between IDDM and LADA.