No statistically significant differences were observed among the groups at baseline with respect to body weight, duration of diabetes, lipid parameters (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FFA), liver function indicators (AST, ALT), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), or sCD36 levels (all p > 0.05). The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is diabetes mellitus.