The invention relates to the use of flupirtine for producing a pharmaceutical preparation for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic maculopathy, genetic maculopathies, apoptosis of the visual system and/or human glaucomas. The invention also relates to a compound preparation containing flupirtine and at least one other active ingredient for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of the cited disorders.