SPP1 and diabetes mellitus: High levels of OPN expression in the circulation and tissues are associated with cardiovascular complications in DM, and OPN is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease in DM.22 Serum homocysteine levels are elevated in patients with T2DM and CAD and are closely related to the severity of coronary artery lesions.23 Plasma-free fatty acids also comprise an independent risk factor for CAD in patients with DM.24 Novel biomarkers are useful for providing insights into associations between DM and cardiovascular risk and developing treatment strategies for CAD associated with DM.