Abstract： Objective To investigate the association between haptoglobin(Hp) gene polymorphism and the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods The 317 type 2 diabetic patients were categorized into two groups: no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group, diabetic retinopathy (DR) group. In addition, 100 nondiabetic individuals served as control group. The Hp genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP， Hp genotype frequencies distribution and clinical features were compared among groups. Results There was no significant difference in Hp allele and genotype frequencies distribution among groups. There was no relationship between Hp genotypes and DR (P>0.05). Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that diabetic duration and 24 hours urinary albumin were independent risk factors for diabetic retinopathy and that the Hp genotype did not have any association with diabetic retinopathy． Conclusion The Hp polymorphism is not associated with DR. But diabetic duration and 24 hours urinary albumin are independent risk factors for diabetic retinopathy.