Serum adiponectin and insulin secretion: A direct or inverse association?

We investigated the association between serum high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and insulin secretion in a population‐based study, with or without adjustment for insulin sensitivity. A total of 488 participants (263 women) were included in the present study. Insulin secretion was estimated using the homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function ± adjustment for insulin resistance using the disposition index. Multivariate analysis showed that HMW adiponectin was significantly and inversely associated with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (partial regression coefficient −0.19, 95% confidence interval −0.28, −0.10, P < 0.0001). However, HMW adiponectin was significantly and positively associated with disposition index (partial regression coefficient 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.06, 0.24, P = 0.0016). The present study showed that a positive association between HMW adiponectin levels and insulin secretion evaluated using an index incorporating adjustment for insulin resistance was identified, and vice versa using an index that did not adjust for insulin resistance.