Abstract: Adipokines,the bioactive factors derived mainly from adipocytes, regulate pancreatic β-cell function including insulin secretion,gene expression and apoptosis.In this review,we propose that adipokines influence β-cell function through three interdependent pathways.The first is through regulating lipid and glucose metabolism in β-cells.The second implicates the change of ion channel opening and closing in β-cells.The third pathway is via the modification of insulin sensitivity of β -cells.The endocrine function of adipocytes is dynamic,and the secretion of various adipokines changes under different metabolic conditions.During the progression from the normal state to obesity and to type 2 diabetes,adipokines contribute to the occurrence and development of β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.