30 Seconds SummaryContinuous glucose monitors: What are they good for?
- Diabetes requires careful blood glucose management, with different physiological mechanisms at play in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes affecting insulin response.
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which track glucose levels through a sensor implanted under the skin, are useful for diabetes management.
- Recent studies show good within-device repeatability for glucose readings, but variability between different device models and brands.
- Contradictory findings in research reveal inconsistencies in CGM measurements, influenced by factors like device placement and body-fat levels.
- While CGMs might help diabetic patients manage glucose levels effectively, their benefits for non-diabetics or for optimizing nutrition and performance remain unproven and speculative.
- CGMs can lead to diet changes, often pushing users towards lower carb intake, which may not suit everyone's health or performance needs.
- Psychological effects of monitoring glucose fluctuations include unnecessary stress over normal glucose variations and could promote an unhealthy focus on restricting carbohydrates.
Stronger By Science
Eric Trexler
