SOST and type 2 diabetes mellitus: This study aims to investigate circulating sclerostin levels in patients with DKD and its combined diagnostic value with 25(OH)VD, providing evidence for early clinical diagnosis.<h4>Methods</h4>A total of 308 patients with T2DM were enrolled, including 113 with DKD (DKD group) and 195 without DKD (T2DM group).