Health
Should You Try a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
Health Points
- Continuous glucose monitors offer real-time blood sugar tracking
- They are now available over the counter for non-diabetics
- Evidence is mixed on their use for weight loss
Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, are wearable devices that provide 24-hour tracking of your blood sugar through a small sensor under the skin and a wireless transmitter to your smartphone or device.
Originally developed as a critical tool for people managing diabetes, CGMs now appeal to a wider audience thanks to recent FDA approvals for over-the-counter use.
Many are curious about using CGMs for weight management and overall wellness, but experts say these benefits are still being studied and confirmed.
“By revealing how food, exercise, sleep, stress, and more affect your body, it empowers users to build healthier habits,” says Sharam Fouladgar-Mercer, CEO of Signos.
CGMs measure glucose in the interstitial fluid, which tracks closely with blood sugar, though there can be a slight delay when changes are happening rapidly.
Regular finger-prick testing gives a one-time snapshot, but CGMs chart patterns over time, helping people observe how meals and activity affect their glucose.
The FDA has highlighted that while new CGM systems can help users understand how lifestyle choices affect glucose, they are not approved for direct weight loss claims.
“There’s many steps that have to happen for it to actually lead to potential weight loss,” explains Collin Popp, dietitian and assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Current research shows that while CGMs offer valuable information, there is not enough evidence yet to firmly say they cause weight loss in people without diabetes.
Curious if a CGM is right for your health goals? Talk with your healthcare provider about the pros and cons before investing in this trending wearable.
