Independent risk factors for DSPN included higher HbA1c (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.89–3.52, p<0.001); age (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05, p = 0.006); albumin/creatinine ratio above 3 mg/mmol (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.06–1.45, p = 0.008); composite cardiovascular endpoint (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.19–3.19, p = 0.008) and diabetic retinopathy (OR: 6.06, 95% CI: 1.33–27.53, p = 0.02). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is diabetic retinopathy.