SQSTM1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: As shown in Figure 2, MAP1LC3B (2.34-fold) and BECN-1 (23.74-fold) mRNA levels were significantly increased in the T2DM group compared to the corresponding control (T2DM + MC vs. Control + MC, p < 0.001, n = 5), whereas no change was observed in SQSTM1 mRNA levels.