Circulating adiponectin concentrations are decreased in those with T2DM, while leptin levels increase with increasing BMI.51,74 Associations among adiponectin, leptin and T2DM have been found in South Asians,51 and recent studies have demonstrated decreased levels of adiponectin and increased levels of leptin in South Asians compared to Caucasians, despite there being no differences in BMI, waist circumference, or hip circumference.75–77 Such results highlight the possibility of defects in adipose tissue metabolism in South Asians that extend beyond elevated total abdominal fat. Here, LEP is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.