The Ups and Downs of Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for a Non-Diabetic 🎢

I've recently embarked on a fascinating journey into the world of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). As someone who isn't diabetic, you might be wondering why. Well, diabetes runs in my family. My mother and uncle both have it, and I've always been aware that I'm carrying a genetic loaded gun. I've dedicated my whole life to doing everything possible to avoid pulling that trigger, so something like a CGM might make sense? !?!?!? Let's dive into my experiences and explore the ups and downs of using a CGM as a non-diabetic.

The Ups:

Becoming My Own Health Detective: Using a CGM has been like unlocking a secret dialogue with my body. It provides real-time clues about my blood sugar levels, helping me understand how my body reacts to different factors like food, exercise, alcohol and stress. This newfound knowledge has empowered me to make lifestyle choices that are in tune with my body's unique rhythm (1)

A Crystal Ball for My Health: Regular monitoring of my glucose levels has given me a glimpse into my future health. It could potentially predict health issues like diabetes or pre-diabetes before they become a problem. This early warning system allows for proactive management and intervention1.

An Ally in Weight Management: Ever wondered why that nutrition plan works for your friend but not for you? My CGM has helped solve this puzzle. By showing how different foods affect my glucose levels, it has guided my dietary choices, making weight management less about guesswork and more about informed decisions(2). But interestingly, I’ve had to fight the urge to “be on my best behaviour” to game the system…I’ve been trying to ‘live normally’ to get a good benchmark and see how a really broad spectrum of food impacts my blood sugar levels.

The Downs:

The Price Tag: The biggest downside of CGMs? They can be quite pricey. And to add salt to the wound, rebates often don't cover their use in non-diabetics(3). However, there are some AMAZING deals from companies like Deacon and Abbott getting rid of their previous generation models…just google them 😉

The Tech Trap: With a CGM, there's a risk of falling into the tech trap. That's when you become so reliant on technology that you forget about the other important aspects of health and wellbeing, like balanced nutrition and regular exercise(3) Just because a food doesn’t spike your levels, doesn’t mean it’s 100% healthy…eg bacon won’t spike it, but I don’t recommend you only eat bacon…know what I mean.

The Anxiety Factor: Constantly monitoring my glucose levels has been like watching a suspense movie that never ends. It can lead to unnecessary worry or anxiety, especially if someone isn’t sure how to interpret the data or don't understand the normal ups and downs of glucose levels(3) Remember what I always say… we are drowning in data but thirsty for insight.

So, there you have it! My journey with a CGM has been enlightening, and empowering, but also challenging. It's important to remember that while CGMs can provide valuable insights, they're not a substitute for regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. Always consult with a professional before making significant changes to your health routine.

I'd love to hear about your experiences or thoughts on this topic. Live your best life!

References

• Smith et al., 2021. Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Non-Diabetic Individuals: A Review.

• Johnson et al., 2020. The Impact of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Non-Diabetic Individuals on Lifestyle and Activity Patterns.

• Lee et al., 2019. Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Perspective on its Past, Present, and Future Applications in Non-Diabetic Populations.