What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Metabolic and Cancer Risk: 5/10 evidence, 51 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Typical Cancer and Metabolic Risk
Typical baseline risks for colorectal cancer and metabolic conditions characterize this profile. It represents the most common genetic profile globally.
What this genotype means: Typical adiponectin levels; Standard baseline risk for diabetes; No genetic protection against colorectal cancer.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/G
Lower Cancer Risk but Higher Metabolic Risk
A reduced risk of colorectal cancer is paired with a higher susceptibility to metabolic issues. This profile represents a common genetic trade-off.
What this genotype means: ~27% lower risk of colorectal cancer; Slightly lower adiponectin levels; Slightly higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Significant protection against colorectal cancer is accompanied by an increased likelihood of metabolic challenges. This profile presents a distinct biological trade-off.
What this genotype means: ~27% lower risk of colorectal cancer; Lowest circulating adiponectin levels; Higher risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: ADIPOQ encodes adiponectin, an essential hormone secreted by fat tissue that regulates glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown [1]. It plays a crucial role in protecting against inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease [2]. Higher levels of adiponectin are generally associated with improved insulin sensitivity and a healthier metabolic profile [3]. Conversely, lower levels of this hormone are linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and an increased risk of certain cancers [4].
Variant Impact: The rs266729 variant is located in the promoter region of the ADIPOQ gene, where it directly influences how much adiponectin the body produces [1]. The G allele is associated with reduced promoter activity, leading to lower circulating levels of adiponectin [5]. This reduction in adiponectin can impair insulin sensitivity and increase susceptibility to metabolic disorders [3]. Surprisingly, this same genetic change has been shown to offer protection against certain malignancies, such as colorectal cancer [6].
Key Insight: The same genetic variant that increases the risk of metabolic issues like type 2 diabetes actually provides significant protection against colorectal cancer.
Location: ADIPOQ. Chromosome 3 · 3q27.3 · 186.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 60.2%; European 55.0%; African 76.6%; East Asian 55.0%; South Asian 53.4%; Americas 56.2%; Ashkenazi 51.5%; Finnish 46.0%; Middle Eastern 62.7%; Amish 25.9%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 34.2%; European 38.3%; African 21.8%; East Asian 38.3%; South Asian 39.4%; Americas 37.5%; Ashkenazi 40.6%; Finnish 43.7%; Middle Eastern 33.0%; Amish 50.0%.
Estimated CG genotype frequency.
Global 5.6%; European 6.7%; African 1.6%; East Asian 6.7%; South Asian 7.3%; Americas 6.3%; Ashkenazi 8.0%; Finnish 10.4%; Middle Eastern 4.3%; Amish 24.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cancer & Oncology
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26329379. Typical Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Diabetes & Glycemic Traits
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 33155222. Typical Risk.
Obesity & Body Composition
Obesity. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 25223469. Typical Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Cardiovascular Drug Response
Blood Pressure Control. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 37014323. Typical Control.
Showing effects for C/G genotype
Colorectal Cancer. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 26329379. ~27% Lower Risk.
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 33155222. Increased Risk.
Obesity. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 25223469. Increased Risk.
Blood Pressure Control. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 37014323. Reduced Control.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Type 2 Diabetes. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 33155222. Higher Risk.
Obesity. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 25223469. Higher Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Standard baseline levels of adiponectin hormone production are typical for this profile [1]. Because adiponectin levels remain in the typical range, there is no genetically elevated risk for type 2 diabetes or obesity from this specific variant [2]. However, this profile does not benefit from the protective effect against colorectal cancer seen in G allele carriers [3]. Typical blood pressure responses to standard antihypertensive medications are generally observed here [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity remains key to supporting metabolic health.
Typical adiponectin levels; Standard baseline risk for diabetes; No genetic protection against colorectal cancer.
Sample genotype: CG (Heterozygous)
A significant 27% reduction in the odds of developing colorectal cancer is linked to this genetic profile [1]. However, this same genetic change is associated with lower circulating levels of the protective hormone adiponectin [2]. This reduction can lead to higher insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes [3]. Additionally, carriers may face a higher susceptibility to obesity and increased waist circumference [4]. There is also evidence that this variant can affect blood pressure control, potentially reducing the effectiveness of certain antihypertensive therapies [5].
~27% lower risk of colorectal cancer; Slightly lower adiponectin levels; Slightly higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
A notable 27% lower risk of colorectal cancer is observed for this genetic profile [1]. Despite this protective benefit, the genotype is strongly associated with the lowest circulating levels of adiponectin [2]. This hormonal deficit is linked to a higher risk of insulin resistance, elevated fasting blood glucose, and type 2 diabetes [3]. Furthermore, this genetic profile is associated with an increased risk of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [4]. Research also suggests that more severe high blood pressure can occur when undergoing standard antihypertensive treatments [5].
~27% lower risk of colorectal cancer; Lowest circulating adiponectin levels; Higher risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2241766 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Breast Cancer Risk
rs1501299 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Breast Cancer Risk
rs17300539 · ADIPOQ Gene · Chr 3 · Metabolic Health Risk
ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.
Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms are Associated with Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer.
Association of ADIPOQ polymorphisms with obesity risk: a meta-analysis.
Content updated August 2026.
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