Adipocytokines, a series of bioactivie cytokines secreted by adipose tissue, are involved in energy homeostasis, immunity, endocrine regulation and other physiological activities, and play important roles in the regulation of metabolic balance. First-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as higher-risk group of diabetes, are common to have abnormal adipocytokine secretion. This article reviewed the characteristics and influencing factors of adipocytokines levels in first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.