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The spike in continuous glucose monitors

Non-diabetic glucose monitors are on the rise - should you buy one?

December 08, 2024

Many people use Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to track blood sugar as a life-saving mechanism, but consumer use is on the rise. With Non-diabetic glucose monitor use on the rise - is it worth you jumping on the trend?

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. Vivevly 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:

  1. How CGMs work?

  2. What are the trade-offs of commercial use?

  3. Are CGMs right for you?

How Consumer CGM’s work

CGMs measure and provide feedback on real-time glucose levels in your interstitial fluid, with current sensors demonstrating a top accuracy of ~10.4%. CGMs consist of three basic components:

  1. Sensor: The sensor is inserted under your skin using an applicator. The applicator uses a needle to pierce the skin; once the needle is removed, the sensor remains in place. Sensors typically last seven to 15 days, depending on the brand.

  2. Transmitter: A transmitter wirelessly sends glucose data from the sensor to a device where you can view it.

  3. 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.

Mock CGM data showing what the output of your sensor might look like

Trade-offs

CGMs have a pletora of benefits as highlighted by emerging consumer CGM companies however if they used without proper support or understanding of the impact to you overall lifestyle they can be detremental:

💚 Pros

🚧 Cons

Insulin measurement: CGMs allow users to monitor glucose levels in real-time, helping optimize energy levels during physical activity by preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

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.

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.

Obession over data: The extensive data from CGMs can be overwhelming, potentially leading to diabetes distress, burnout, or disordered eating.

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.

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 blood sugar levels respond to factors such as diet, exercise, and medications.

While the consumer, non-prescribed use of CGMs can be beneficial for everyone, CGMs are better suited for individuals who are already experienced in tracking key biomarkers, have a solid understanding of nutrition, and maintain a healthy relationship with food.