Results: High quartiles of galectin-3/adiponectin (quartile 4 vs 1: OR 2.43 [95% CIs: 1.21–5.00]) showed the strongest correlation with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the total population, which was consistent in the older population (age≥50 years old) in adjustment models. This evidence concerns the gene ADIPOQ and type 2 diabetes mellitus.