Interplay of Adiponectin With Glycemic and Metabolic Risk Metrics in Patients With Diabetes

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by low insulin production or resistance. Adiponectin, a hormone produced by adipocytes, is essential for regulating glucose metabolism and is correlated with insulin decrease. Aim The aim of this study is to estimate the levels of adiponectin in T2DM patients and their relationship with various metabolic markers (glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin, lipid profile, and anthropometric variables in an Indian cohort. Methods This study was conducted at King George's Medical University (KGMU), India, from October 2022 to October 2024. The study (case-control) included 234 subjects: T2DM patients and age-sex-matched healthy controls. Diagnosis of T2DM followed American Diabetes Association criteria. Data collection involved medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical assessments including FBS, HbA1c, lipid profiles, insulin levels, and insulin resistance. Serum adiponectin levels were estimated using an ELISA kit. Results T2DM patients had a significantly higher HbA1c value (7.82±0.96%) compared to controls (5.31±0.39%, p<0.001). Insulin resistance was also significantly higher in T2DM patients (4.31±0.95) than in controls (3.62±0.82, p=0.002). Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients (6.87±3.73 µg/mL) compared to controls (10.18±5.16 µg/mL, p<0.001). Low levels of adiponectin were correlated with HbA1c (r=-0.58, p<0.001), FBS (r=-0.51, p<0.001), and total cholesterol (r=0.38, p<0.001). Adiponectin levels also were correlated with BMI (r=-0.33, p<0.001). Conclusion Lower adiponectin levels in T2DM patients correlate with HbA1c and increased insulin resistance, suggesting that adiponectin may be a biomarker for diabetes management and risk assessment.