AFP and diabetes mellitus: In the Cox model, seven independent adverse prognostic predictors were found: diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.489, 95% CI: 1.152–1.925, p = 0.002), AFP ≥ 20 ng/ml (HR: 1.513; 95% CI: 1.211–1.891, p < 0.001), >3 tumor nodules (HR: 2.599, 95% CI: 1.372–4.924, p = 0.003), main tumor size > 3 cm (HR: 1.747, 95% CI: 1.365–2.236, p < 0.001), poor performance status (HR: 1.311, 95% CI: 1.006–1.710, p = 0.045), vascular invasion (HR: 2.334; 95% CI: 1.723–3.162, p < 0.001), and ALBI grade 2–3 (HR: 1.439, 95% CI: 1.158–1.790, p < 0.001).