Much of the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes mellitus predominantly reflects its deleterious effects on microcirculation and macrocirculation. During the past few years, rapid advancement has been made in our understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic microvasculopathy. This is particularly true with regard to retinal vascular disease and the role of the angiogenesis- and vasopermeability-inducing molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
