Adiponectin · low result
What does a low Adiponectin mean?
Short answer
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.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Adiponectin?
- age 18+: 4.00 – 20.0 mcg/mL
Often reflects insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk, or metabolic syndrome.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Adiponectin biomarker page.
What are the common causes of 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
What symptoms go with low Adiponectin?
- None directly; those of metabolic syndrome
What do 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 available at TestWell: ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) ($18.99).
How do you recheck Adiponectin?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Body Panel | Panel · 49 tests | $499.99 | Yes | 5–10 business days |
| Adiponectin | Test | $36.99 | Yes | 5–7 business days |
Common questions
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.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.