Data are presented as mean ± SD, or median (interquartile range); FGF21: fibroblast growth factor 21; BMI: body mass index; FPG: fasting plasma glucose; HbA1c: haemoglobin A1c; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; TG: triglyceride; TC: total cholesterol; HDL-c: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-c: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; eGFR: estimated glomerular filtration rate; cIMT: carotid intima media thickness; No: no hypoglycemic agents use; OHA: oral hypoglycemic agent; CAS: carotid atherosclerosis; HP: hypertension. The gene discussed is FGF21; the disease is carotid atherosclerosis.