What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your adiponectin levels mean for your metabolic health, diabetes risk, and heart disease risk. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes, exercise strategies, supplement suggestions, or whether you should consider medications that can increase adiponectin levels. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your adiponectin levels over time using our trends feature to see how your lifestyle interventions or treatments are working.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for anyone with risk factors for metabolic syndrome, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes. It's especially useful for people who struggle with weight loss despite healthy habits, those with insulin resistance or prediabetes, and individuals concerned about their heart disease risk. People already working on metabolic health improvements can use it to track their progress.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Consider this test if you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around your midsection, difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise, constant sugar cravings, or fatigue after meals. Other indicators include having high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, darkened skin patches on your neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans), or a family history of diabetes or heart disease. If you're experiencing these symptoms, testing adiponectin can provide valuable insights into your metabolic health.

How can I naturally increase my adiponectin levels?

Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise and strength training, can significantly increase adiponectin levels. Eating a diet rich in monounsaturated fats from foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, along with omega-3 fatty acids from fish, has been shown to boost adiponectin. Getting adequate sleep, managing stress, losing even modest amounts of weight if overweight, and including magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens and whole grains can also help improve adiponectin production.

What is adiponectin and why does it matter?

Adiponectin is a hormone produced by your fat cells that helps regulate how your body uses sugar and fat for energy. Unlike most hormones from fat tissue, adiponectin levels are actually lower in people who are overweight or obese. It acts as a protective hormone by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and protecting your heart and blood vessels. Higher levels are associated with better metabolic health and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.

What does low adiponectin mean?

Low adiponectin levels indicate that your body may have difficulty regulating blood sugar and fat metabolism efficiently. This puts you at significantly higher risk for developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Research shows that people with low adiponectin are up to 9 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and have double the risk of coronary artery disease. Low levels are also associated with chronic inflammation and difficulty losing weight.

How often should I retest my adiponectin levels?

If you're actively making lifestyle changes or starting treatments to improve your metabolic health, retesting every 3-6 months can help you track your progress and see if your interventions are working. Once your levels stabilize in a healthy range, annual testing is reasonable for ongoing monitoring. If you're at high risk for diabetes or heart disease, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent testing as part of comprehensive metabolic monitoring.