
Leptin-to-Adiponectin Ratio

LEP / ADPN
Description
"Leptin-to-Adiponectin Ratio" test evaluates the balance between leptin and adiponectin—two hormones that influence inflammation, insulin response, and overall metabolism. Doctors often use it to assess risk for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. A high ratio may suggest insulin resistance or obesity-related inflammation, while a lower ratio reflects better metabolic health. Results help shape diet, exercise, or medication plans. Monitoring this ratio supports proactive care and improved long-term metabolic outcomes.
Test Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Ratio
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Complete Blood Sugar Group, Hormone Health Group
Test Group Description
Complete Blood Sugar Group: This expanded group includes a more comprehensive set of tests, offering a thorough evaluation of diverse facets of blood sugar levels for a more detailed understanding of metabolic health. Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: ≤0.5 R
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 0.4–2.0 R
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Chronic kidney disease
Insulin resistance (Reduced responsiveness to insulin)
Metabolic syndrome (cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Accumulation of fat in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption)
- ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Metabolic Health Assessment: Reflects dysfunction in obesity and insulin resistance.
Cardiovascular Risk Prediction: Elevated ratios indicate risks like atherosclerosis.
Insulin Sensitivity Evaluation: Balances pro-inflammatory leptin with anti-inflammatory adiponectin.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks changes with metabolic or inflammatory therapies.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Oda N, Imamura S, Fujita T, et al. The ratio of leptin to adiponectin can be used as an index of insulin resistance. Metabolism. 2008;57(2):268-273.
[2] Finucane FM, Luan J, Wareham NJ, Sharp SJ, O'Rahilly S, Balkau B, et al. Correlation of the leptin ratio with measures of insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals. Diabetologia. 2009;52(11):2345-2349.
[3] Satoh N, Naruse M, Usui T, et al. Leptin-to-adiponectin ratio as a potential atherogenic index in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(10):2488-2490.
[4] Inoue M, Maehata E, Yano M, Taniyama M, Suzuki S. Correlation between the adiponectin-leptin ratio and parameters of insulin resistance in subjects without hyperglycemia. Metabolism. 2005;54(3):281-286.
[5] Waki H, Yamauchi T, Kamon J, et al. Impaired multimerization of human adiponectin mutants associated with diabetes. Molecular structure and multimer formation of adiponectin. J Biol Chem. 2003;278(41):40352-40363.
[6] Yamauchi T, Kamon J, Waki H, et al. The fat-derived hormone adiponectin reverses insulin resistance associated with both lipoatrophy and obesity. Nat Med. 2001;7(8):941-946.
[7] Lee S, Lee HC, Kwon YW, et al. Serum adiponectin and leptin levels in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Psychiatry Res. 2009;169(3):220-224.
[8] Koh KK, Park SM, Quon MJ. Leptin and cardiovascular disease: response to therapeutic interventions. Circulation. 2008;117(25):3238-3249.
[9] Considine RV, Sinha MK, Heiman ML, et al. Serum immunoreactive-leptin concentrations in normal-weight and obese humans. N Engl J Med. 1996;334(5):292-295.
[10] Kadowaki T, Yamauchi T. Adiponectin and adiponectin receptors. Endocr Rev. 2005;26(3):439-451.
[11] Frühbeck G, Catalán V, Rodríguez A, Ramírez B, Becerril S, Salvador J, Colina I, Gómez-Ambrosi J. Adiponectin-leptin Ratio is a Functional Biomarker of Adipose Tissue Inflammation. Nutrients. 2019; 11(2):454.