The time course of GFAP, α2-macroglobulin, and ceruloplasmin overexpression in the retina of diabetic rats was similar to that of IL-1β (Fig. 6C and 6D) with no changes as compared to control rats at 1.5 months from the induction of diabetes and a significant upregulation after 3 months of diabetes. Here, GFAP is linked to diabetes mellitus.