Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment among adults worldwide. As a novel fundus imaging technology in recent years, ultra-wide-field imaging can capture approximately 80% of the retina surface with the advantages of wide image, easier operation, more rapid acquisition, no pupil dilation and high resolution. It is useful in identifying latent peripheral lesions and improving positive detection rate of DR. It will assess the pathogenesis of periphery retina in DR comprehensively, promote development of classification and laser photocoagulation, reduce the incidence of neovascular glaucoma, and play an important role in restraining pathological development. This article presented a review on the clinical value and research advances of ultra-wide-field imaging inDR.