Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes in which the nerve system is damaged. It is a progressive condition with worsening symptoms over time. Neuropathy occurs when the body's nerves are damaged by high levels of lipids or sugar in the blood. It can damage any nerve in the body and cause a variety of symptoms. Diabetic neuropathy is often not detected until the symptoms have progressed.
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that affects people who have diabetes. When high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, this is known as diabetic retinopathy. These blood arteries have the potential to enlarge and leak. They can also close, preventing blood from flowing through. On the retina, aberrant new blood vessels can form. All of these changes have the potential to blur the vision.