A compensatory mechanism protects retinal mitochondria from initial insult in diabetic retinopathy

► In diabetes a compensatory mechanism protects retina from initial oxidative damage. ► Sustained hyperglycemia overwhelms the compensatory mechanism and damages mtDNA. ► Damaged mtDNA compromises the electron transport system. ► This initiates a vicious cycle of reactive oxygen species damaging the mitochondria. ► Dysfunctional mitochondria accelerate apoptosis and result in diabetic retinopathy.