Adiponectin is a key regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism and has insulin sensitizing, anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Unlike leptin, low adiponectin is strongly associated with insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk (not just obesity). Stress/feed/grain access prior to sampling do not impact adiponectin values and therefore may be a more reliable indicator of metabolic status and laminitis risk than single insulin measurements in some cases.