Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes management, providing real-time tracking of glucose levels to optimize glycemic control. However, and particularly because of social media influencers, its adoption is extending beyond individuals diagnosed with diabetes.
More and more, it touches the lives of non-diabetics seeking insights into their glucose variability—often for reasons related to health optimization, weight loss, performance enhancement, or general wellness.
While CGM presents numerous benefits, it also raises significant concerns that merit careful consideration.
The technology
CGM systems consist of a small sensor inserted under the skin, typically on the abdomen or arm, which measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid. This sensor transmits data to a receiver or smartphone, allowing users to monitor glucose levels continuously.
Unlike traditional glucose meters that provide single-point readings, CGM devices offer a dynamic view of glucose trends, enabling users to identify patterns related to food intake, exercise, and stress.
The positive aspects
Enhanced awareness of glycemic trends
Understanding glucose variability: For non-diabetics, CGM can provide insights into how various foods, stressors, sleep, and physical activity affect their blood glucose levels. This awareness can lead individuals to make more informed dietary and lifestyle choices.
Personalized nutrition: Users may discover how their bodies respond to different foods, allowing for tailored dietary strategies that optimize energy levels, mental clarity, and overall health.
Weight management, healthy habits
Weight loss: Monitoring glucose levels can help individuals understand the impact of carbohydrates on their bodies, potentially aiding weight management efforts and preventing unhealthy spikes in blood sugar.
Healthy eating behaviours: Real-time feedback on glucose levels can encourage non-diabetics to adopt healthier eating habits, such as choosing lower glycemic index foods or maintaining balanced meals.
Performance enhancement
Athletic training: Athletes or fitness enthusiasts can leverage CGM to understand how different foods impact their performance and recovery. Monitoring glucose levels can optimize fueling strategies during training sessions and competitions.
Cognitive function: Some studies suggest that stable blood sugar levels can enhance mental performance. Non-diabetics may utilize CGM to optimize their nutrition for better focus and creativity, particularly in demanding cognitive tasks.
Preventative health monitoring
Early detection of metabolic disorders: Frequent monitoring may help identify early signs of insulin resistance or potential metabolic disorders before they escalate into serious health issues, allowing for timely interventions.
Understanding personal health: By tracking glucose trends over time, individuals may better understand their metabolic health, fostering a proactive approach to lifestyle changes.
Behavioural insights and mindfulness
Encouraging mindful eating: Users may develop greater mindfulness about their eating habits and lifestyle choices when equipped with real-time data, leading to lasting behavior changes that enhance overall well-being.
Motivation & accountability: The continuous feedback loop from CGM can serve as a motivational tool, encouraging non-diabetics to stick with healthier lifestyle changes and remain accountable to their goals.
The negative concerns
Psychological effects and anxiety
Stress and anxiety: The constant monitoring of glucose levels can lead to increased anxiety for some individuals, particularly if they fixate on achieving “perfect” glucose readings. Fear of high or low glucose levels may promote unhealthy behaviours or obsessions with food choices.
Overemphasis on glucose levels: An intense focus on glucose monitoring may overshadow other important health aspects, leading individuals to overlook holistic health measures such as mental well-being, exercise, and nutrition quality.
Inaccuracy and misinterpretation of data
Device limitations: CGM devices measure interstitial fluid glucose rather than blood glucose, leading to potential discrepancies. Non-diabetics may misinterpret these readings, resulting in unnecessary dietary restrictions or unwarranted health concerns.
Data overwhelm: The influx of information can be overwhelming, particularly for those without a background in nutrition or physiology. Misinterpretation of trends could lead to misguided dietary or lifestyle adjustments.
Cost & accessibility
Financial Burden: CGM technology can be expensive, with costs for devices and consumables potentially reaching thousands of dollars annually. This may limit access for many individuals who would benefit from monitoring but cannot afford the technology.
Insurance and coverage issues: Many health insurance plans do not cover CGM for non-diabetics, creating disparities in access to this emerging technology. This exclusion raises questions about equity in healthcare access and the prioritization of CGM as a tool for preventive health.
Potential for misunderstanding
Oversimplification of nutrition: Some users may oversimplify eating patterns based on CGM data, believing that certain foods are “bad” purely based on glycemic spikes. This perspective risks leading to restrictive diets that may not align with broader nutritional needs.
UK plant-based nutritionist Rohini Bajekal says a CGM may be helpful for a short period for someone on the cusp of developing type 2 diabetes, providing that they are working with a qualified health professional who can guide them with interpretation of the data.
Neglect of holistic dietary patterns: An over-focus on blood sugar levels may result in a disregard for other important factors like overall caloric intake, macro- and micronutrient balance, and food variety, potentially compromising overall health.
Privacy and security
Data Tracking and Privacy: CGM devices are often connected to smartphones or cloud storage, raising concerns about personal health data privacy. Users may worry about who has access to their glucose data and how it may be used or shared.
Behavioural surveillance: The potential for glucose data to be used for surveillance by employers or insurers can create anxiety around personal health management, particularly if users fear repercussions based on their health information.
A complex interplay
The application of continuous glucose monitoring technology for non-diabetics presents a complex interplay of benefits and concerns. On one hand, CGM can empower individuals with insights that promote better health and inform lifestyle choices. It provides the opportunity for personalized nutrition strategies and behavioural change, contributing to weight management and enhanced athletic performance.
However, the psychological ramifications, potential misinterpretation of data, accessibility issues, and privacy concerns cannot be overlooked. The risk of exacerbating anxiety around health, exacerbating dietary restrictions, and oversimplifying nutrition highlights the need for a more nuanced conversation about the role of CGM in preventive healthcare.
As the popularity of CGM among non-diabetics continues to grow, it seems essential that individuals approach this technology with an understanding of its limitations and potential psychological impacts.
Moreover, healthcare providers should be involved in guiding non-diabetic users in their interpretations of data and management strategies to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. Ultimately, CGM should serve as a tool for empowerment and lifelong health rather than a source of stress and anxiety.
