Thus, expectations are mounting for adiponectin/AdipoR-enhancing and AdipoR-activating agents, which appear to have great promise as exercise-mimicking agents providing similar effects to those with exercise, thus opening a new avenue not only for definitive therapy for the diabetes/metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis but for effective therapeutic options for those unable to exercise due to medical or locomotive conditions. The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is atherosclerosis.