Type II Diabetes (T2D) and insulin resistance are growing national health concerns. Obesity is a risk factor for developing T2D and is associated with chronic and systemic inflammation. Exercise on the other hand has been shown to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. We investigated the effects of conditioning and weight gain on adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor and glycosylated hemoglobin, three biomarkers of T2D. We measured the levels of these three biomarkers in racing, sedentary and overweight sled dogs. Exercise did not have a significant impact on the levels of the biomarkers, whereas weight gain had a negative effect. Using a sled dog model, we conclude that weight management is important to reduce the risk of T2D and its consequences.