In the validation cohort, when compared with subjects in the NDR group, T2DM patients with DR showed lower levels of Cer(d18:0/24:0), Cer(d18:0/22:0), Cer(d42:3) and SM(d18:1/24:1) by univariate logistic regression, which was consistent with the results of the discovery cohort. Here, CBLN1 is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.