How health tech startups are spiking the use continuous glucose monitors?
Non-diabetic glucose monitors are on the rise - should you buy one?
Many people use Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar as a life-saving mechanism, but consumer use is on the rise. The Vively CGM is an example of a real-time consumer CGM. It is designed to tailor recommendations for nutrition, exercise, sleep, and habits to fit your body's unique needs. It suggests that using a CGM can help non-diabetics with managing weight, battling fatigue, and reducing the risk of disease, which can otherwise feel overwhelming.
This article takes you through a 1-2-3 of:
How do CGMs work?
What are the trade-offs of commercial use?
Are CGMs right for you?
How Consumer CGM’s work
CGM’s measures and provide feedback on real-time glucose levels in your interstitial fluid, with current sensors demonstrating a top accuracy of 10.4%. CGMs have three basic components:
Sensor: You’ll insert the sensor under your skin using an applicator. The applicator uses a needle to pierce your skin; once the needle is removed, the sensor remains in place. Sensors typically last seven to 15 days, depending on the brand.
Transmitter: All CGM systems use a transmitter to wirelessly send glucose data from the sensor to a device where you can view it.
Smartphone Receiver: This technology displays your real-time glucose levels and provides a graph of your glucose history. Prescription CGM devices can also send glucose information to a compatible insulin pump.
Interpreting the Data
When using a CGM, you will be assigned a target range (70–180 mg/dL), shown in gray. Spikes above 180 mg/dL (hyperglycemia) are displayed in yellow, while valleys below 70 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) are shown in red. Reviewing the data day by day can help you evaluate how specific factors and behaviors impacted your glucose levels on a given day.
Trade-offs
Positives of CGMs include:
Insulin measurement: CGMs allow users to monitor glucose levels in real-time, helping optimize energy levels during physical activity by preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Improved recovery and energy management: By tracking glucose fluctuations, users can adjust their nutrition and hydration strategies to enhance recovery and sustain energy during intense physical activity.
Personalized insights for performance: CGMs show users how their general lifestyle choices, including workouts and recovery methods, impact glucose levels, enabling them to fine-tune their routines to optimize performance.
Unfortunately, CGMs can also present challenges if used without proper support or without tracking other health vitals:
They are expensive: These monitors may cost around A$90-$100 per fortnight (as monitors last a maximum of 14 days). CGMs and their supplies can be expensive, especially with regular use.
Obession over reading: The extensive data from CGMs can be overwhelming, potentially leading to diabetes distress, burnout, or disordered eating.
Physical discomfort and attachment: CGMs are worn on the body, which may cause discomfort, and some users may experience allergic reactions to the adhesives. They can also be knocked out of place if you’re training, in competition, sweating, or even doing everyday tasks such as showering.
Are CGMs for you?
Blood glucose monitoring is an essential tool for managing diabetes. It helps identify how your blood sugar levels respond to factors such as diet, exercise, and medications.
While the consumer, non-prescribed use of CGMs can be beneficial to all, we see CGM’s better suited for individuals who are already experienced in tracking key biomarkers, possess a solid understanding of nutrition, and maintain a healthy relationship with food.