Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a microvascular complication from diabetes, is the leading cause of blindness among working-age population. The blindness and low vision caused by DR has become a major public health issue. DR is a condition that occurs when diabetes affects the microvasculature and nerve tissue in the retina. Diabetic macular edema (DME), featured by thickened retina from capillary leakage in the macular area, mainly impacts central vision. The diagnostic assessment and treatment options of DR have improved dramatically in recent years. Recent advances in diagnostic assessment include the introduction of wide-field imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography, which have helped clinicians in the detection of certain biomarkers that can identify disease at an early stage and predict response to treatment in DME. Recently, treatment of DR and DME has been diversified: apart from the classic laser photocoagulation therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor has become the first-line therapy for central-involved DME. In addition, steroids and micropulse laser have maintained a role in the management of DME in specific situations. Different combinations of medicine, surgery and laser treatments offered various options for patients, while making it more challenging for clinical doctors to propose the most appropriate solution. In such circumstances, Fundus Disease Group of Ophthalmological Society of Chinese Medical Association, Fundus Disease Group of Ophthalmologist Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases incorporated the best updated knowledge and evidence and developed Evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy in China (2022). The guideline aims to standardize and offer a comprehensive guide for DR prevention, screening, referral and follow-up schedule, and appropriate management of DR in different stage, including DME, as well as systemic management and patient education.