Adiponectin
A protective hormone from fat tissue that improves insulin sensitivity.
| Typical reference range | above 4 ug/mL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Adiponectin is secreted by fat cells but, unlike most adipokines, its levels fall as visceral fat increases. It enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes fatty acid burning and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Why it matters
Low adiponectin is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, and may predict diabetes risk independent of weight.
What a high result can mean
Higher levels are generally favorable and seen with lean body composition and good insulin sensitivity. Very high levels can occur in heart failure, kidney disease and with weight loss from illness.
What a low result can mean
Low levels are associated with visceral obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, smoking and inactivity.
What affects the result
Women generally have higher levels than men. Weight loss, exercise and thiazolidinedione drugs raise adiponectin. Ranges vary by assay and BMI category.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in ug/mL.
- From mg/L: multiply by 1 to get ug/mL
- From ng/mL: multiply by 0.001 to get ug/mL
Also called on lab reports
Adiponectin, Serum
Related tests: Glucose & Metabolic
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.