The CSF/plasma albumin ratio (an indicator of BBB and blood-CSF barrier permeability) was increased in individuals with diabetes (diagnosed with diabetes or taking antidiabetic medications) compared with those without diabetes (p = 0.015). Diabetes was linked to high CSF levels of ICAM-1 (p < 0.001), VCAM-1 (p = 0.007), and VEGF (p = 0.024). The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is diabetes mellitus.