The increase in serum galectin-3 concentration by ≥15% was found to indicate a 50% higher risk of mortality and hospitalization due to HF compared to patients with stable values of galectin-3 in the same time range, regardless of age, sex, diabetes, renal function, ejection fraction (LVEF) and NT-proBNP concentration. This evidence concerns the gene LGALS3 and diabetes mellitus.