MMP9 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Collectively, these findings indicate that T2DM and AS converge on immune and inflammatory processes with macrophage dysregulation as a central axis; IL1B, MMP9, and P2RY13 represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets and may influence disease progression by regulating macrophage states, supporting translational application to diagnosis and treatment of T2DM-related atherosclerosis.