ADIPOQ and diabetes mellitus: 5 The DPP study also reported an inverse association between baseline total adiponectin levels and future diabetes independent of baseline adiposity among individuals at increased risk for diabetes. 12 The findings suggest the persistence of an independent role of not only total adiponectin but also HMW adiponectin levels in relation to IR among a generally healthy overweight/obese population with no diabetes or clinical vascular disease.