We have uncovered the unique protein profile of the corneal endothelium-Descemet membrane complex (EDM) in human cornea donor tissues suitable for transplantation from nondiabetic controls (ND), nonadvanced diabetics without the use of insulin (NAD-ni), nonadvanced diabetics with the use of insulin (NAD-i), and of advanced diabetics (AD). Here, INS is linked to diabetes mellitus.