I don’t have diabetes, but I wore a glucose monitor for six weeks. Here’s what I learned about food (and anxiety)

In an engaging exploration of health technology, the author embarked on a personal journey with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a device traditionally used by diabetics but now marketed as a wellness tool. The journey began with a mix of curiosity and anxiety as the author navigated a new way of understanding their body’s responses to food. This journey highlights the immediate impact of technology on daily choices, revealing how health tools can reshape our relationship with diet and behavior.

CGMs have been transformative for those with diabetes, offering real-time glucose insights that enhance management and reduce the need for finger-prick tests. Laura Marston, a type 1 diabetes advocate, shares how CGMs revolutionized her health, providing stability and reducing hospitalizations. The expansion of CGMs into the wellness market, with products like Dexcom’s Stelo and Abbott’s Lingo, marks a significant shift, making these devices accessible without prescription. This innovation sparks interest in their potential for broader health benefits beyond diabetes.

The author’s experience with the Abbott Lingo CGM was initially marked by dietary adjustments to avoid glucose spikes, revealing the emotional and practical challenges of integrating such technology into daily life. From avoiding apples and granola bars to discovering cheese as a stable choice, the author’s eating habits were significantly influenced. Surprising reactions, such as a salad causing higher spikes than pizza, underscored the complexity of individual responses to food, challenging perceptions of healthy choices.

Opinions on CGMs for non-diabetic individuals vary within the scientific community. Some experts, like Dr. Robert Lustig, argue that monitoring glucose can prevent metabolic issues, while others, including Dr. Nicole Spartano, highlight the lack of consensus on their benefits. Testimonials from users like Dr. Sanjay Gupta and his wife illustrate the personalized nature of glucose responses, emphasizing the potential for CGMs to offer tailored dietary insights.

Reflecting on their four-week trial, the author initially used the CGM as an “artificial experiment,” later adopting a more observant approach to understand normal habits. This transition led to valuable insights, such as avoiding mindless snacking, and revealed the behavioral benefits of CGMs. The author’s journey shows that while CGMs can prompt positive changes, their effectiveness depends on how users integrate the data into their lives.

In conclusion, the exploration of CGMs reveals their potential to revolutionize health management, offering personalized insights that go beyond managing diabetes. However, they also present challenges, including anxiety and the need for expert interpretation. As research evolves, CGMs may offer more tailored solutions, but for now, they represent a promising, yet complex, tool in the quest for better health.