Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes responsible for metabolizing fatty acids and maintaining glucose homeostasis. It has thus been identified as a key anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory factor. Adiponectin carries out its functions by binding to the adiponectin receptor, encoded by the ADIPOR1 gene. Binding of the globular or full-length adiponectin to the ADIPOR1 receptor triggers the AMP-activated kinase signaling pathway, thereby resulting in increased levels of fatty acid catabolism, enhanced glucose utilization and reduced gluconeogenesis.