This is consistent with a recently published comparative study evaluating patients with and without DPN.[25] High apelin levels associated with hyperglycemia in DPN may be due to the key role of apelin in improving insulin sensitivity[13] and increasing glucose use.[12] In addition, a correlation between apelin, endothelial dysfunction and microangiopathy in subjects with diabetes has been suggested. The gene discussed is APLN; the disease is endothelial dysfunction.