Do you know what your blood sugar levels are? For diabetics and non-diabetics alike, regular testing of your blood glucose levels can be an invaluable tool for better understanding and managing your health
How continuous glucose monitors are used
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are small devices, typically worn on the upper arm, which measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid beneath the skin (1). The device is a small, circular shape and is held in place by an adhesive. It is connected to a receiver or phone app which displays the glucose levels on a screen. CGMs provide an easy way for people with diabetes to track their glucose levels, but they're also being used by non-diabetics to monitor their overall health or initiate a weight loss journey.
Why do people with diabetes care about glucose?
Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the body's primary energy source and is used by the cells for everything from powering muscles to thinking and reasoning. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose from the food we eat. Unfortunately, with diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or it does not respond appropriately to this hormone, resulting in too much glucose in the blood (2). Fortunately, with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, people with diabetes can keep tabs on their glucose levels and take appropriate action to maintain their health.
Why CGMs are going mainstream
In recent years, CGMs have become increasingly popular among people who don't have diabetes. This is because CGMs provide valuable insight into how our bodies use glucose, which can help us make better lifestyle choices. For example, CGMs allow you to identify which foods are causing glucose spikes, which can cause your body to store more sugar in fat, leading to weight gain (3). Additionally, high glucose levels in the blood can lead to fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, and other unpleasant symptoms (4). By using a CGM, people can stay on top of their glucose levels and take proactive measures to keep their blood sugar in check.
Additionally, CGMs are becoming increasingly easy to use, with systems providing real-time feedback and intuitive in-app interfaces. So, people can use CGMs to track their energy levels throughout the day and ensure they get the right balance of carbs and proteins. With the help of a CGM system, you can stay on top of your health and make sure your glucose levels remain balanced.
Companies leveraging CGMs to help people live healthier lives
There are various ways that CGMs can be used to help people better understand their bodies. The companies below provide innovative solutions for individuals to take control of their health. I look forward to seeing more advancements in the future as CGMs continue to evolve and become more widely adopted.
Companies I watch:
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