Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2), a secreted circulating glycoprotein, belongs to a family of proteins structurally similar to the angiopoietins. It has been reported that the expression of ANGPTL2 is associated closely with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. So, the molecule becomes a research hotspot in the field of diabetes mellitus. This paper reviews the biological characteristics of ANGPTL2 and its research progress in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications.