To explore the distribution of TCM syndromes and research methodology of diabetic nephropathy (DN) based on stage of disease, in order to further discover its etiology and pathogenesis and provide the basis for the syndrome characteristics. Methods:According to the methods of scale making, we developed DN TCM questionnaire, and performed a layered, cross-sectional survey on 180 cases of patients, dealt data with the frequency and cluster analysis. Results:The major syndromes of stage Ⅲ is Qi and Yin deficiency, combined with heat, blood stasis, phlegm; Ⅳ stage emerges Blood and Yang deficiency on top of stage Ⅲ, adding the combination of heat accumulating and turbid dampness. Stage V original deficiency becomes more serious, plus Qi stagnation and stagnation heat. Cluster analyses of symptoms got 8 clusters of combinations. Conclusion:DN’s TCM syndromes is characterized by deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality, blood stasis throughout the whole course of the disease, with multiple combinations. The application of cluster analysis method is feasible.