In the realm of health technology, few devices have stirred as much anticipation as the compact continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These devices, no larger than a coin, have been praised for their potential to transform health monitoring, with claims from companies like Stelo suggesting they can “revolutionize your health.”
Dr. Casey Means, a nominee for Surgeon General under President Trump, is a strong advocate of CGMs. As a co-founder of Levels, she has been at the forefront of promoting these devices, which are designed to provide users with real-time blood sugar estimates through a painless skin patch that communicates with a smartphone app.
Originally designed for diabetes management, CGMs have shown significant impact. “It has revolutionized their and their families’ lives,” stated Elizabeth Selvin from Johns Hopkins University. However, recent FDA approval has opened the doors for use by individuals without diabetes, with companies like Dexcom and Abbott entering the market. Each patch, costing around $50 and lasting two weeks, raises questions about its effectiveness for non-diabetic users.
The Theory Behind Glucose Monitoring
The body’s response to carbohydrates is characterized by blood sugar levels that rise and fall. According to Sarah Berry, a nutritionist at King’s College London, these fluctuations are normal. However, frequent or extreme spikes could heighten risks for obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Type 2 diabetes. The theory is that monitoring glucose can help individuals modify meals that cause significant spikes, potentially aiding in weight management and overall health.
Research Insights
Two significant studies have assessed the effectiveness of CGM-based diets through randomized control trials. One study from the Weizmann Institute found that while CGM-based diets did not surpass the Mediterranean diet in weight loss, they were more effective in lowering blood sugar. Meanwhile, a study by New York University comparing CGM-based and low-fat diets found both equally effective for weight loss, though individual responses varied significantly.
When Are Glucose Monitors Beneficial?
1. If you’re highly sensitive to carbohydrates
According to nutritionist Karen Kennedy, CGMs can reveal sensitivities to carbohydrates, even healthy ones like whole grains. For those individuals, a lower-carb diet may stabilize blood sugar levels.
2. If you need motivation to improve your diet
Feedback from CGMs can serve as a catalyst for dietary changes, providing immediate evidence of the impact of food choices on blood sugar levels.
3. If you need more awareness about your diet
Tracking meals can significantly improve dietary habits, as shown in NYU’s study, where consistent logging correlated with better outcomes.
Considerations Before Use
Many find the data perplexing.
Understanding CGM data can be challenging without proper education, notes NYU’s Collin Popp. Furthermore, while the devices provide useful metrics, their accuracy and the interpretation of data remain complex.
Data can be misleading.
Inconsistencies in readings and overestimations of blood sugar levels suggest that CGM data should be considered alongside other health metrics.
“Continuous glucose is a handy metric,” Kennedy emphasizes, “but it’s only one metric, and you have to use it in the context of lab results and other signs and symptoms.”
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