Objective:To investigate the expression of serum miR-29c in the patients with non-proliferating diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and explore the role of miR-29c in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: Patients with NPDR (n=30) and without DR (n=30) were enrolled. Total RNAs including miRNA was extracted from serum samples. The levels of miR-29c were detected by quantitative Real-time PCR. PicTar, TargetScan and MiRanda were performed to comprehensively predict target genes of miR-29c, and the intersection of the three softwares was set as the final target genes. Results: The expression of serum miR-29c was significantly elevated in the NPDR group than that in the NDR group (P < 0.05). Positive correlation between miR-29c expression and HbA1c level (r=0.379, P < 0.05) was observed. The target genes of miR-29c were significantly enriched in inositol phosphate metabolism, interaction between cytokine and cytokine receptor, and ECM and receptor. Conclusion: The serum levels of miR-29c were significantly increased in the NPDR group. MiR-29c may play an important role in pathogenesis of DR by regulating cytokines interaction and inositol phosphate metabolism.