adiponectin

noun

ad·​i·​po·​nec·​tin ˌa-də-(ˌ)pō-ˈnek-tən 

: a protein produced and secreted by fat cells that is normally abundant in the blood plasma but has reduced expression in those with obesity and insulin resistance

Scientists now know that fat makes huge amounts of adiponectin—more than any other protein secreted by fat. The hormone increases insulin sensitivity, helping cells process sugar more effectively.

—Tina Hesman, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch