Who is at risk for diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can develop in anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The longer a person has diabetes, and the less controlled the blood sugar is, the more likely that person is to develop this disease. Between 40 and 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy, although only about half are aware of it. Women who develop or have diabetes during pregnancy may have rapid onset or worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Although it may cause no symptoms at all or mild vision problems, one must not forget that diabetic retinopathy can still result in blindness and must be treated.