Associations of Adiponectin with Body Fat Distribution and Insulin Sensitivity in Nondiabetic Hispanics and African-Americans

Context: Hypoadiponectinemia has emerged as an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although associations of adiponectin with central obesity and insulin resistance have been reported, very little data are available from studies using detailed measures of insulin sensitivity (SI) and/or body fat distribution in ethnic groups at high risk for metabolic disease. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the correlates of adiponectin in 1636 nondiabetic Hispanics and African-Americans. Design: A cross-sectional analysis of participants in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study was conducted. SI was determined from frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance tests with minimal model analysis. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (SAT, VAT, respectively) were determined with computed tomography. Triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin were measured in fasting samples. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were use...