Objective To elevate the role of NKp44+NK cells and IL-22 in type 1 diabetic patients. Methods Totally 19 cases of type 1 diabetes and 20 healthy individuals were recruited. Biochemical index and diabetes related chronic complications were recorded. The proportion of NKp44+NK cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. IL- 22 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in peripheral blood. Correlation and risk factors were analyzed. Results The serum proportion of NKp44+NK cells and IL-22 expression were increased in patients when compared with those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). The proportion of NKp44+NK cells was significantly correlated with IL-22 (r = 0.513, P = 0.025) and HbA1c (r = 0.465, P = 0.045). There was no significant correlation between NKp44+ NK cells and biochemical index including glutamate decarboxylase antibody, insulin autoantibody, incidence of peripheral artery disease, diabetic kidney disease, or diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions The proportion of NKp44+NK cells and IL-22 expression increases in type 1 diabetic patients, which may be related to blood glucose control and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.