Anyone diagnosed with diabetes types I or II can develop diabetic retinopathy, and your risk increases the longer you have the medical condition. Diabetes management is directly related to your risk for diabetic retinopathy. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage many areas of your body, including the eyes. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, pregnancy and tobacco use are considered risk factors for the eye disease. If you are Black, Native American or Hispanic, you have an increased likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy.