In contrast, the age- and sex-adjusted serum MSTN levels were significantly lower in the DM group compared with that in the non-DM group [216.1 (196.0–238.3) pg/ml in the non-DM group vs. 180.3 (163.2–199.1) pg/ml in the DM group, p=0.012). Here, MSTN is linked to diabetes mellitus.