Insulin modulates ischemia-induced endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and neovascularization in diabetic mice

► Diabetes inhibited ischemia-mediated endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization. ► Impaired EPC mobilization was associated with altered bone marrow signaling pathway. ► Insulin improved EPC mobilization through activation of bone marrow molecules. ► Insulin enhanced postischemic vasculogenesis and angiogenesis through eNOS-related pathway.