Abstract： Objective To compare the different angiographic characteristics in lower limbs between nondiabetic and diabetic atheroscleroses with analysis of the clinical significance. Methods Angiographic results of 49 patients with nondiabetic atherosclerosis and 76 patients with diabetic atherosclerosis were analyzed.The included criterion of arterial involvement was an arterial stenosis≥20% so as to statistically analyze the stenosis rate of the below-knee arteries. Results The involvement rate of below-knee arteries was 42.5% in nondiabetic atherosclerosis, and 57.0% in diabetic one (P<0.05).The involvement rates of different below-knee arteries of bilateral lower extremity were similar in nondiabetic atherosclerosis (P>0.05).The involvement rates of the homonymic below-knee arteries of bilateral lower extremity were similar in diabetic atherosclerosis (P>0.05). In diabetics the stenosis rate of the anterior tibial artery was 64.5%; the posterior tibial artery, 59.9% and the peroneal artery, 31.6% (P<0.05). Conclusions Both nondiabetic and diabetic atherosclerosis are symmetrical disease processes in bilateral lower extremity. The latter is apt to attack the below-knee artery with less involvement of bilateral peroneal artery, which fortunately offers run-off artery for bypass grafting on small artery to treat diabetic foot.