Aim: The aim of article is to investigate the energetic functions of retinal mitochondria under conditions of chronic hyperglycemia to understand the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of this diabetic complication. Materials and Methods: The experimental study was carried out on non-linear rats which were divided into 2 groups: intact animals and rats with diabetic retinopathy. We investigated the level of lactate, pyruvate and adenine nucleotides. Results: The increase in lactate and pyruvate levels may indicate a reduction in the energy potential of the retina under conditions of experimental diabetic retinopathy, while the elevation of adenine nucleotides activity suggests the activation of energy processes and the development of adaptation to hypoxia in retinal cells. Conclusions: The analysis of lactate and pyruvate levels, as well as adenine nucleotides, may serve as prognostic markers in predicting the severity of diabetic retinopathy in the context of prolonged hyperglycemia.