DCN and diabetes mellitus: In comparison to the control cohort, the AS group was significantly older (62.36 ± 9.74 years vs. 57.28 ± 14.30 years, p = 0.037); had significantly higher SBP (p = 0.023) and higher concentrations of fasting glucose (p = 0.017) and triglyceride (p = 0.003); significantly lower serum decorin level (p < 0.001); and significantly higher prevalence of DM (59.5% vs. 32.7%, p = 0.003) and hypertension (88.1% vs. 69.4%, p = 0.019).