The polymorphism in the let-7 targeted region of the Lin28 gene is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

•This is the first study about the association between miRNA associated polymorphisms and T2DM risk in Chinese population.•rs3811463 polymorphism of Lin28 was associated with increased risk of T2DM, especially in females.•Differences were observed in the clinical features for different genotype of rs3811463 in T2DM.•rs3811464 polymorphism of Lin28 is lack of association with T2DM risk.