Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes.
High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Since the retina is essential to vision, this is a serious and sight-threatening condition. Types of Diabetic Retinopathy Background retinopathy Background retinopathy is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy. In background retinopathy, retinal blood vessels leak fluid or blood. This may or may not cause any change in vision, depending on the location of the leaks.