To model microvascular changes caused by diabetes, we exposed iBRB MVNs to an elevated concentration of d-glucose (30 mM or 540 mg dl−1; grade 4 serum hyperglycemia corresponds to >500 mg dl−1) and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 (1 ng ml−1 each)47. Here, IL6 is linked to diabetes mellitus.