Heparin, an important anticoagulant, has been shown to be increasingly neutralised in the presence of elevated Zn2+ levels,15,66 in particular by histidine-rich glycoprotein, and we have previously indicated that this is one of the proteins that can bind “excess” Zn2+ when NEFAs alter Zn2+-binding by HSA.10,20 Thus, the effect of high plasma levels of NEFA and altered Zn2+ speciation may need to be carefully considered when choosing an antithrombotic treatment for individuals with T2DM. Here, ALB is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.