A small device, about the size of a quarter, is making waves in the world of health technology by tracking blood sugar levels. Called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), this tool provides round-the-clock insights into blood sugar fluctuations. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently emphasized its potential, stating that it could empower Americans to take charge of their health decisions.
Kennedy noted that these monitors could help individuals make better choices regarding their diets and physical activities. Although CGMs are invaluable for people with diabetes—a condition affecting over 38 million Americans—the popularity of these devices has surged among those without the disease.
Experts have mixed feelings about this trend. Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrinologist, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of CGMs for people with normal blood sugar levels. She points out that healthy individuals’ bodies naturally manage blood sugar levels effectively after meals. Misinterpretations of normal blood sugar variations could lead to unnecessary anxiety or misdiagnoses.
### What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
A CGM is a small patch typically placed on the upper arm or stomach, featuring a needle that lightly pierces the skin to insert a tiny sensor. This sensor measures glucose levels in the fluid beneath the skin and relays that information to a smartphone app or display every few minutes. This allows users to track how their diet impacts their blood sugar in real time.
For most healthy adults, normal fasting blood sugar ranges from 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter. Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal can temporarily raise blood sugar levels, reaching around 140 mg/dL shortly after eating, before returning to baseline.
### The Long History of Glucose Monitors
Glucose monitors have been around since the late 1990s but were primarily used by diabetics until recently. With the FDA approving over-the-counter CGMs last year, various companies have begun marketing them to the general public for around $100 a month. Many consumers are eager to learn how their food and exercise choices affect their health.
Popular apps like Noom have also added features for tracking blood sugar, attracting users who want to gain insight into their health—often those without diabetes.
### Who Should Use These Monitors?
While CGMs are lifesaving for diabetics, they can be helpful for anyone with risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes. They provide immediate feedback, helping users understand how different foods impact their bodies. However, health experts caution those without risk factors who simply want to explore their health.
Dr. David Kessler, a former FDA commissioner, points out that while CGMs can be an interesting tool for experimentation, they should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems. Even among experts, there is no consensus on how to use blood sugar data effectively for the non-diabetic population.
Before deciding to use a CGM, Dr. Dushay encourages individuals to reflect on their goals. Understanding what one hopes to gain from such data is vital to making an informed choice.
In summary, while continuous glucose monitors have opened up new avenues for health tracking, it’s essential to approach them with caution, especially for those without diabetes. Being informed and discerning about their use can ensure that we truly assist our health rather than complicate it.
