INS and Hyperglycemia: It is important to emphasize that a stronger mechanistic link exists between hypoxia and the spatial presence of HIF‐1α protein rather than its mRNA expression.85, 86 Further, HIF‐1α is not only regulated by oxygen levels, but also by growth factors including insulin.87 Therefore, metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and/or hyperglycaemia may also have marked effects on HIF‐1α protein stability,87 and may affect epigenetic modifications.