Methods: The study consists of a prospective observational cohort study of 100 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with continuous 2-year clinical follow-up and a register-based follow-up of morbidity and mortality study after 5 and 10 years. Furthermore 100 healthy control subjects will be included. Baseline data will represent a independent cross-sectional study of the relationship between the innate immune system, glycemic control and the presence of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.