As someone who considers themselves a healthy eater, I never thought I’d need to monitor my glucose levels but when I began to notice that my body was struggling to maintain stable blood sugar levels, I decided to give continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) a try (even if I don’t have diabetes). I quickly realized that even though I was eating mostly healthy foods, certain foods were affecting my blood sugar levels in unexpected ways- this was truly eye-opening.
In this article I will go over the benefits of using a CGM system, how continuous glucose monitor works, how it can help optimize metabolic health and the importance of metabolic health for everyone, diabetic or not.
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a method of tracking blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It involves wearing a small device on the body, typically on the abdomen or back of the arm, that automatically measures interstitial glucose every 1 to 5 minutes. [1][2]
Basically, a continuous glucose monitor is a wearable device that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, providing real-time data on blood sugar levels. The CGM device consists of a tiny sensor inserted under the skin, typically on the upper arm or abdomen. The sensor measures glucose found in the interstitial fluid, which reflects blood glucose levels. The glucose data is then transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device, such as a cell phone app or smart device, where the user can view their glucose trends and make informed diet and treatment decisions with the help of a healthcare providers.
My Experience
In the past years, I started noticing that my liver and pancreas were not functioning at their best because I wasn’t able to process alcohol very well. This is because I was overburdening my body without realizing it. Every time I ate food that spiked my glucose levels, my pancreas had to work overtime to release insulin to process the food. This led to my liver and pancreas becoming overworked, causing my body to be unable to process alcohol effectively.
As a result, I would get sick with symptoms such as sinus infections.
If you want to lose belly fat, have better skin, and more energy, it all comes down to what you eat. That’s why I love ProLon so much because my body responds well to it. With ProLon, my glucose levels remain flat and my liver and pancreas get the rest they need. It’s amazing how much energy I have after using ProLon. I recommend everyone to try it!
Proper food that your body can digest without glucose spiking is the key to optimal health. When your glucose spikes, it turns into fat and that’s why people struggle to lose weight. You need to learn what foods work best for your body.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device by Levels
I use the CGM device from Levels, which I found easy to use with a great accompanying app. I just place the small sensor on my upper arm (I prefer this location vs on the belly for aesthetic reasons), and it continuously monitors my glucose levels, sending data to the app on my smartphone.
It’s actually really fun to learn as it shows you how to eat and it’s super helpful to find out if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Most people do tests at doctors offices once a year that are not super detailed and don’t know until they have a problem.
Monitoring your glucose levels is not just about diabetes; it’s about anyone who wants to learn how to properly learn about metabolic health, lose weight, and stay healthy. This is how you learn so you can customize your diet to yourself because your body will tell you how your food metabolizes into sugar.
Sugar is the most dangerous for us. If you have too much, that’s when you get diseases. It’s the foods that you eat that convert into sugar. The best food that we eat converts into energy.
By CGM monitoring, you can learn which foods are actually converting into energy versus converting into sugar and you want to put together a diet for yourself that matches your body.
The insights I gained from using the Levels CGM device were invaluable. For example, like I mentioned, I learned that my body responded well to the ProLon diet, which helped keep my glucose levels stable and gave me more energy. I also realized that I needed to eat more isolated meals, waiting a couple of hours between each meal, to prevent my glucose from spiking.
Glucose Revolution
As I went deeper into my glucose monitoring journey, I also discovered the book “Glucose Revolution” by Jessie Inchauspé. I highly recommend it, this book further emphasized the importance of understanding our individual metabolic health. I came to appreciate that we all metabolize food differently, and what works for one person might not work for another.
By continuously monitoring my glucose levels, I learned to adjust my diet to what works best for my body, focusing on foods that convert into energy rather than sugar. This process has not only helped me maintain a stable blood sugar level but also allowed me to improve my overall health, lose weight, and gain more energy.
Measuring Blood Glucose Levels for Diabetics
Diabetics can measure their blood glucose levels using a blood sugar meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).[3] To use a blood sugar meter, one should wash and dry their hands, insert a test strip into the meter, prick the side of their fingertip with the needle provided with the test kit, and touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.[4] See blood sugar level charts for type 1 and type 2 diabetes here. [5]
CGM systems have revolutionized diabetes care by offering a more complete picture of blood sugar levels, enabling individuals to manage their diabetes more effectively. The continuous glucose monitoring process is different from traditional blood glucose meters, which require fingerstick blood samples to measure blood glucose levels at specific times. Instead, CGM devices provide continuous glucose readings, giving users a better understanding of how their blood sugar levels change in response to factors such as food, exercise, and medications.
What other technology can a continuous glucose monitor work with?
CGM devices can be integrated with insulin pumps, creating an “artificial pancreas” system that automates insulin delivery based on real-time glucose data. This combination of an insulin pump and CGM device can help identify high blood sugar levels and prompt the user to take appropriate action, such as adjusting their insulin dose, to bring their blood glucose back into the target range.
There are several types of CGM devices available on the market, including continuous glucose monitors that work in conjunction with insulin pumps, standalone CGM systems, and flash glucose monitoring systems.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has endorsed the use of CGM systems, stating that they can improve overall health and diabetes management in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has highlighted the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring in managing diabetes mellitus, particularly for those on multiple daily injections (MDI). Healthcare professionals and patients alike have reported improved treatment outcomes and increased patient satisfaction when using CGM systems as part of their diabetes management plan.
Using a CGM device can also improve the quality of life for people with diabetes by reducing the frequency of fingerstick blood tests and helping to prevent severe low blood sugar levels. Users can set customizable alarms on their CGM device to alert them of impending high or low blood glucose levels, allowing them to take action before a potentially dangerous situation arises.
It is essential to consult with healthcare professionals before starting a CGM system, as they can provide guidance on selecting the best device and integrating it into your diabetes management plan.
Coaching Sessions
I am currently offering one-on-one coaching sessions to help individuals who may be facing challenges in achieving their goals independently. My goal as a coach is to guide and support you in every step of your journey, while also holding you accountable for the actions you take towards achieving your desired outcomes.
Whether you want to improve your health and wellness, establish better habits, or achieve personal and professional growth, I can provide you with personalized attention, a customized approach that suits your unique needs, and the necessary tools and motivation to help you reach your full potential and transform your life.
Conclusion
Lastly, it’s important to remember that continuous glucose monitoring isn’t just for diabetes care- it’s for anyone who wants to optimize their metabolic health.
By providing users with a more complete picture of their blood sugar levels throughout the day and night, real-time glucose data generated by CGM devices like Levels enable us to gain valuable insights into our bodies and tailor our diets to our individual needs. This helps improve overall blood glucose control, reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications, and optimizes metabolic health for everyone.
My personal experience with CGM has been transformative, shedding light on how my body processes food and allowing me to make dietary adjustments that work best for me. This journey to better health has been both empowering and enlightening, and I believe that with the continued advancement of CGM technology, individuals can look forward to even greater improvements in their quality of life and overall health.
FAQ
Continuous glucose monitoring is a technology that allows individuals to track their glucose levels in real-time throughout the day and night. CGM devices use a small sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and provide frequent readings.
While CGM devices were initially developed for people with diabetes, anyone looking to optimize their metabolic health, lose weight, or gain a better understanding of their body's response to food can benefit from CGM.
A CGM device uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin, typically in the upper arm or abdomen, to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The sensor transmits glucose readings to a wearable device or mobile app, allowing users to monitor their glucose levels in real-time.
By providing real-time glucose data, a CGM device can help you understand how your body responds to different foods and make better dietary choices, which can ultimately lead to weight loss.
Some CGM devices require a prescription, while others, like the Levels CGM device, are available for purchase without a prescription.
CGM devices are designed to be discreet and minimally invasive, allowing you to continue with your daily activities while monitoring your glucose levels.
The accompanying app or software for your CGM device will help you analyze your glucose data, identify trends, and make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle.
By monitoring your glucose levels and identifying which foods cause spikes, you can adjust your diet to include foods that keep your glucose levels stable and improve your metabolic health.
CGM devices can help individuals with diabetes make informed treatment decisions, improve blood glucose control, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
The cost of a CGM device varies by brand and model. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of a CGM device for people with diabetes. It's essential to research different devices and consult with your healthcare provider to find the best option for your needs and budget.
With a positive approach and a motivation mindset, you will reach your health goals, no matter how hard they may seem at first. Learn more about my one-on-one coaching program here.
