The medical technology landscape is changing rapidly, and with it, the way we perceive health and well-being. From fitness trackers to DNA tests, we're gaining more insights into our bodies than we ever thought possible. One such piece of technology, the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), is transforming the lives of diabetics worldwide. But, should it stop there? What if wearing a CGM could not only help manage diabetes but also prevent it from developing in the first place? In this comprehensive blog post, I'll explore the benefits of CGMs, why we might all consider wearing one, and practical considerations for adopting this technology in our everyday lives.

CGMs are wearable devices that continuously monitor glucose levels throughout the day and night, providing glucose readings at regular intervals. Unlike traditional glucose metres that provide a snapshot in time, CGMs offer a more complete picture of how your glucose levels are trending. The data they collect can be monitored in real-time or reviewed retrospectively to spot patterns and make informed decisions about diet, insulin dosing, and physical activity.

Originally, CGMs were developed for people with diabetes to better manage their condition. They were seen as a groundbreaking advancement, offering a reduced need for painful finger pricks and the ability to track glucose trends more accurately. However, recent studies and health advocates like functional medicine doctor Dr. Mark Hyman suggest that the device's value may extend to a larger audience, including those who are not diabetic.

One of the fundamental health concerns of our time is the global epidemic of diabetes and metabolic syndrome (1). These conditions are not only prevalent but their onset is insidious, with individuals often unaware they are at risk until it's almost too late (2). A large contributor to these conditions is the poor regulation of glucose in the body, which can be influenced by factors such as diet, stress, lack of sleep, and physical activity (3).

Dr. Hyman and others argue that wearing a CGM could provide a revolutionary approach to managing these risk factors. By tracking our individual glucose responses to different foods and activities, we can tailor our lifestyle in a way that promotes stable blood sugar levels. This, in turn, could lead to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders (4).

The idea of wearing a medical device all day, every day might seem daunting, and in some cases, unnecessary. But consider that many of us wear fitness trackers to monitor various aspects of our health. CGMs take this a step further by adding crucial information about how the body metabolises one of its primary energy sources - glucose.

The argument for all-day monitoring is rooted in the understanding that the modern diet, high in processed sugars and carbohydrates, is wreaking havoc on our metabolic health. Dr. Hyman's position is that if we wish to truly understand the impact of our diet choices, wearing a CGM is the most objective tool available.

If you're in the UK and not a diagnosed diabetic, obtaining a CGM might seem like a challenge. However, private healthcare companies and some online services offer pathways to access these devices without a prescription. Companies such as Abbott, which manufactures the popular FreeStyle Libre, and Dexcom, with its G6 model, have made significant progress in market accessibility.

For those opting for private healthcare, the process of obtaining a CGM begins with selecting a provider. After that, you'll likely need to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and health goals. Providers may require some health profiling questions to ensure the device is suitable for you. The cost of the device and ongoing supplies can accumulate, so be prepared for an investment.

It's important to communicate with your general practitioner (GP) about using a CGM. Obtaining a diagnosis of diabetes is not the objective here. Instead, the focus is on using the device to promote better overall health and prevent future metabolic diseases.

Your GP's support will help in case complications or concerns arise and in navigating the existing healthcare system. GPs can also provide valuable context to the glucose data, considering various other factors that influence overall health. In the UK, an increasing number of GPs trained in functional medicine, with expertise in additional testing and CGMs, can effectively integrate this information with CGM data for comprehensive health insights.

Support networks, both online and in-person, can be invaluable for those new to CGM use. Connecting with a community of users and healthcare professionals can help answer questions, provide guidance on using the device, and facilitate sharing experiences and insights.

Professional support, such as nutritional advice from nutritional therapists, can also enhance the utility of a CGM. These experts can help interpret the data and offer tailored dietary plans that help manage glucose levels.

The prospect of wearing a medical device might be daunting, but putting on a CGM is a relatively simple process. Most devices consist of a small sensor and a transmitter that are affixed to the skin, usually the abdomen. The following is a general guide to applying a CGM:

Start by cleaning the application site with an alcohol wipe. It's crucial to choose a clean, dry area without any lotions or creams that could interfere with the adhesive.

Remove the sensor from its packaging and apply it firmly to the skin. Press down and hold in place for the recommended time to ensure it sticks.

Connect the transmitter to the sensor and follow the manufacturer's instructions to activate the device. This typically involves a short setup process where you pair the transmitter with a reader or your smartphone.

CGM data can provide an overload of information, and making sense of it requires some learning. The key metrics to look for are time-in-range (the time your glucose levels are neither too high nor too low), peak levels after meals, the frequency and duration of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and general trends over time.

Consistently high levels of glucose, especially after meals, may indicate a need to adjust your diet or seek medical advice. Observe how different foods and activities influence your glucose levels to make informed decisions about your lifestyle.

With CGM data, you can identify which foods cause significant changes in glucose levels. For some, this might be sugary treats or white bread, for others it might be fruit or seemingly healthy options like rice. By making small, informed changes to your diet and tracking the response, you can develop a diet personalised to your metabolic needs.

Physical activity is a potent tool for managing glucose levels, but the response can be individual. Some might see an immediate drop after a workout followed by a steady decline, while others might experience a delayed drop. Use your CGM data to time your exercise and assess its impact over time.

Adopting a CGM is not without its challenges. Getting used to wearing a new device, the slight discomfort during application, and the mental shift toward consistent health monitoring can take time.

There's also the financial aspect to consider. While prices of CGMs are becoming more competitive, they can still be a significant investment, especially without insurance coverage or prescription benefits.

Furthermore, the emotional and psychological aspect of constant monitoring needs to be acknowledged. Some individuals might experience anxiety or stress from seeing their health data so prominently. It's important to develop a healthy mindset around this data — it's a tool for empowerment, not a source of judgement.

Lastly, there's the balance between digital health and living your life. While CGMs can provide invaluable data, they are not a substitute for living a healthy, balanced life. Use the information they provide to make strategic health choices, but don't obsess over the numbers.

The potential of CGMs as a tool for preventing and managing metabolic diseases is significant. As the technology continues to advance, we may see even more integration with our daily lives. From more seamless integration with smart devices to better software that analyses and provides actionable insights, the future of CGMs is bright.

It is not far-fetched to imagine a world where wearing a CGM is as common as wearing a fitness tracker. With the right approach, CGMs could be a proactive measure for a global shift towards better metabolic health.

Continuous Glucose Monitors are more than just a medical tool; they represent a paradigm shift in how we approach health and well-being. By providing a continuous stream of data about how our bodies handle glucose, they have the potential to transform our understanding of nutrition and lifestyle choices. While the idea of wearing a CGM may seem radical, it is an important conversation to have in the context of our current health challenges.

For those at risk of or managing diabetes, CGMs are already offering life-changing support. Now, with the growing body of evidence that these devices can benefit a wider audience, it is time to reconsider their role in our health strategies. Whether it's through personal experimentation or guided by a healthcare professional, the use of CGMs could pave the way to a healthier, more personalised approach to living.

With the right education, support, and mindset, the integration of CGMs into our health routine has the potential to be as seamless and beneficial as donning a pair of smart trainers for a run. It's a bold step towards transforming how we view and engage with our health, one that could see significant dividends in the form of a global reduction in diet-related health issues. It's an investment in our most precious asset - our health - and one that may just bear the fruit of a longer, healthier life for us all.

Written by Amy Morris, BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy. Amy has been a nutritional therapist for 12 years, specialising in recent years as a functional medicine nutritional therapist. Women’s health, and pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes prevention are Amy’s specialist areas. Diagnosed with a chronic condition called endometriosis at age 20, this is what motivated Amy to study nutrition. Amy has been in remission for 6 years now, attributing powerful nutrition, lifestyle and bio-identical hormone strategies she now shares with her clients. https://www.greathealthnaturally.co.uk/

Water for Health Ltd began trading in 2007 with the goal of positively affecting the lives of many. We still retain that mission because we believe that proper hydration and nutrition can make a massive difference to people’s health and quality of life. Click here to find out more.

1) Saklayen M. G. (2018). The Global Epidemic of the Metabolic Syndrome. Current hypertension reports, 20(2), 12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-018-0812-z

2) Regufe, V. M. G., Pinto, C. M. C. B., & Perez, P. M. V. H. C. (2020). Metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients: a review of current evidence. Porto biomedical journal, 5(6), e101. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000101

3) Chaput, J.-P., McHill, A. W., Cox, R. C., Broussard, J. L., Dutil, C., da Costa, B. G. G., Sampasa-Kanyinga, H., & Wright, K. P. (2022). The role of insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment in obesity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-022-00747-7

4) Tomasz Klupa, Leszek Czupryniak, Grzegorz Dzida, Piotr Fichna, Przemyslawa Jarosz-Chobot, Gumprecht, J., Mysliwiec, M., Agnieszka Szadkowska, Dorota Bomba-Opon, Czajkowski, K., Malecki, M. T., & Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz, D. A. (2023). Expanding the Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Modern Diabetes Care Beyond Type 1 Disease. Diabetes Therapy, 14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-023-01431-3