Abstract: Objective To analyze socioeconomic influences on prevalence, awareness, treatment and self-management of diabetes among four unique ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province. Methods Using multi-stage stratified random sampling method, we chose a representative sample of 5 600 residents aged 35 and over from Naxi, Lisu, Dai and Jingpo ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province. A questionnaire survey and physical examination were performed among all participants. Multilevel analysis was used to examine socioeconomic factors on prevalence, awareness, treatment and self-management of diabetes. Results The overall prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate of diabetes was 4.7%, 63.7%, 48.1% and 24.8%, respectively. Among diabetic patients, the rate of taking measures to lower glucose, medication adherence, and monitoring blood glucose was 91.0%, 68.9% and 36.5%, respectively. Diabetic patients with higher levels of education,with higher household assets and better access to medical service had higher treatment rate. Residents from a higher-income township were more likely to be diabetic, and have a higher treatment rate. Diabetic patients with higher educational level, better access to medical service, and living in a higher-income township had a greater probability of compliance to prescribed medicines. Diabetic patients with higher educational level, higher household assets, and living in a township with higher educational level were more likely to monitor blood glucose. Diabetic patients from a higher-income township were more likely to take measures to lower glucose. Conclusions Future prevention and intervention programs for diabetes should be focused on both individual-level and township-level socioeconomic factors in ethnic minorities areas of Yunnan Province.