Objective To investigate the social network among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes in Beijing, and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods A self-designed demographic sheet, Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale, Social Support Rating Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 were used to investigate 300 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes in Beijing. Results The score of social network of the patients was 16.75±7.02, family network was 8.32±3.63, and friend network was 8.43±4.74, and 22.67% of the patients had inadequate social network. Social support, self-management, smoking or not and number of living children were important factors influencing the social network of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes（P<0.01 for all）. Conclusion The social network of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes in Beijing is at a medium level. When we intervene in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, it is necessary to fully consider their social network and influencing factors, so as to help them enhance their self-management and social support level, and promote the improvement of their social network.