Low plasma adiponectin level, white blood cell count and Helicobacter pylori titre independently predict abnormal pancreatic β-cell function

Adiponectin is an adipocytokine with insulin sensitizing effect while chronic inflammation damages pancreatic β-cells leading to reduced insulin response. We aimed to prove the hypothesis that adiponectin levels and inflammatory markers (white blood cell counts [WCC], Helicobacter pylori [HP] titers, high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) may interact to affect risk of diabetes. We studied 288 Chinese men (age-median: 41.0 years, IQR: 35.3–46.0 years) being recruited from the community in Hong Kong. The mean adiponectin level was 5.39 ± 2.81 μg/ml and 40.9% (n = 107) had low adiponectin level (<4 μg/ml). On multiple regression analysis, adiponectin was negatively associated with diabetes, HOMA insulin resistance top quartile, plasma glucose (PG) and 2 h insulin; and positively associated with HOMA insulin sensitivity index. WCC was independently associated with PG and 15′ insulin, and negatively associated with HOMA insulin sensitivity top quartile. HP titre was associated with 30′ PG level and diabetes. hs-CRP did not enter the multivariable model. In conclusion, adiponectin, WCC and HP titer are independent predictors for hyperglycemia and reduced insulin sensitivity in Chinese men. These findings may explain the high risk for diabetes in Chinese population despite their relatively low adiposity.