IL1B and Hyperglycemia: Persistent hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress, increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate production, and may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and release of mitochondrial DNA, which ultimately activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is expressed at all stages of the DR disease course and promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18, thereby exacerbating the inflammasome.