Adiponectin levels: what's normal, high and low
A fat-cell hormone with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing effects. Lower levels are linked to insulin resistance.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Adiponectin is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 4.00 – 20.0 mcg/mL. At TestWell it's $36.99 all-in as Adiponectin, results in 5–7 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/mL / ug/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 5–7 business days
- Price
- $36.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp
Adiponectin Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 4.00 – 20.0 mcg/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What your Adiponectin result may mean
Often reflects insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk, or metabolic syndrome.
What a low Adiponectin means: causes, symptoms, next steps ↓Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
What does a low Adiponectin mean?
Adiponectin is a hormone from fat tissue that improves insulin sensitivity, and — counterintuitively — falls as body fat rises. Low adiponectin is a marker of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk, fatty liver and cardiovascular risk; it is typically lower in men and in people with central obesity. Weight loss, exercise, Mediterranean-style eating and some diabetes medications (TZDs) raise it.
Common causes of a low Adiponectin
- Central obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome
- Fatty liver disease
- Sedentary lifestyle, high-refined-carbohydrate diet
- Male sex (lower baseline), smoking
- Some genetic variants
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None directly; those of metabolic syndrome
What clinicians usually check next
- A1c, fasting insulin, lipids, liver enzymes (ALT)
- Weight loss and aerobic exercise raise adiponectin within months
- Clinician review of cardiometabolic risk
Follow-up tests at TestWell: ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) ($18.99).
Is adiponectin a standard test?
It is a research-grade metabolic marker, not part of routine guidelines. It adds context about insulin sensitivity; the decisions still rest on A1c, lipids and blood pressure.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a Adiponectin test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Adiponectin is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adiponectin | This marker only | $36.99 |
| Total Body Panel | 49 tests | $599.99 |
| Men's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
| Women's Total Body Advanced Panel | 65 tests | $999.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Adiponectin: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $36.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $36.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Sources
Related Hormones biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Adiponectin.
Frequently asked
What does a low Adiponectin mean?
Adiponectin is a hormone from fat tissue that improves insulin sensitivity, and — counterintuitively — falls as body fat rises. Low adiponectin is a marker of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk, fatty liver and cardiovascular risk; it is typically lower in men and in people with central obesity. Weight loss, exercise, Mediterranean-style eating and some diabetes medications (TZDs) raise it.
Is adiponectin a standard test?
It is a research-grade metabolic marker, not part of routine guidelines. It adds context about insulin sensitivity; the decisions still rest on A1c, lipids and blood pressure.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my adiponectin?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get Adiponectin results?
Most Adiponectin results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a Adiponectin test cost?
Our Adiponectin starts at $36.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my Adiponectin test?
Yes — for the most accurate result, fast for 8–12 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine; coffee, food, and supplements are not. Your prep instructions will be included with your order.
Which lab will process my Adiponectin test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your adiponectin?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $36.99.