The use of continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, has expanded beyond
individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Manny people without the condition
are now using these devices to gain insights into how their bodies respond
to different foods and activities. But is this trend beneficial, or
simply an unnecessary health fad?

“For people without diabetes, the utility is really in learning how your
body responds to food,” says Dr. Robert Gabbay, chief scientific and
medical officer of the American Diabetes Association. He notes that while
CGMs can provide valuable data, they may also cause unnecessary anxiety
for some users.

The Appeal of CGMs for Non-Diabetics

CGMs offer real-time glucose readings, providing a detailed view of how
blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day. This details can be
especially appealing to health-conscious individuals looking to optimize
their diet and lifestyle.

“I think it’s really valuable to see in real time what’s happening,” says
nutritionist Maya Feller. She adds that cgms can help people make more
informed choices about what they eat and how they exercise.

“For people without diabetes, the utility is really in learning how your
body responds to food.”

Potential Downsides and Concerns

While CGMs can offer valuable insights,they also come with potential
drawbacks. One concern is the risk of overreacting to minor glucose
fluctuations, which are normal and not necessarily indicative of a health
problem.

“there’s a risk of people becoming overly focused on the numbers and
developing unnecessary anxiety,” warns Dr. Gabbay.He emphasizes that
interpreting CGM data requires a nuanced understanding of individual
physiology.

Another consideration is the cost of CGMs, which can be meaningful,
especially as they are typically not covered by insurance for
individuals without diabetes. Additionally,some experts caution that
relying too heavily on CGM data could distract from other important
aspects of overall health,such as maintaining a balanced diet and
engaging in regular physical activity.

Expert Recommendations

For individuals without diabetes who are considering using a CGM, experts
recommend consulting with a healthcare professional to determine if it is indeed
appropriate and to learn how to interpret the data effectively. It is indeed
also critically important to remember that CGMs are just one tool among many for
promoting health and well-being.

“It’s not a magic bullet,” says Maya feller. “It’s one piece of the
puzzle.”