What complication can arise in diabetic patients due to proliferative retinopathy?

Proliferative retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, which can lead to significant vision problems. These blood vessels are fragile and can rupture, causing bleeding in the eye, which often results in vision loss. Furthermore, this condition can lead to scarring in the retina, retinal detachment, and ultimately complete loss of vision if not managed properly.

The other options listed do not relate directly to the complications associated with proliferative retinopathy. Shortness of breath is more commonly associated with pulmonary or cardiac issues, skin ulcers are typically linked to poor circulation or neuropathy in diabetic patients, and muscle weakness may relate to other underlying conditions or complications of diabetes but is not a direct consequence of proliferative retinopathy. Thus, the primary complication associated with proliferative retinopathy is indeed vision loss.