Glucose monitors moving into the mainstream?

People who want to take care of their glucose levels in order to reduce the risk of developing health conditions like type 2 diabetes will find that innovative non-invasive glucose monitors are becoming more accessible.

In this informative article, respected consultant endocrinologist Dr Mark Vanderpump discusses how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is moving into the wellness market.

What is continuous glucose monitoring?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring, or CGM, began in the 1980s. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999, while the FreeStyle Libre Pro, the first CGM system that requires no routine finger prick testing during wear, was introduced in 2016 for people with type 1 diabetes.

Interstitial fluid (the fluid found in the spaces around cells) glucose levels are measured by CGM devices, and the levels are displayed every 1 to 5 minutes. People can see them either on the device itself or on the user’s mobile device.

CGM works via a sensor that’s been inserted below the skin and a wireless transmitter which conveys data around the clock. Users can tailor the system to show glucose levels over chosen time periods, and this means the user can better understand their body’s typical behaviour and take control of their health.

Why might glucose monitors become more mainstream?

The aspect of giving people control over their own health is particularly appealing to the wellness market. Some US digital companies are even in the early stages of developing and trialling CGM devices that help wearers to see how diet, sleep and exercise, as well as stress, can affect their glucose levels. 

Trackers, which are already being used for sleep, stress and fitness, are a predecessor to these CGM devices, which are likely to be positioned as a natural extension following them. They can help in specific ways. These include:

Assisting with personalised nutrition by showing:

• Which foods cause glucose levels to spike and then crash, and;
• Which foods might cause an individual response based on the person’s weight, genetics, microbiome, lifestyle and insulin sensitivity.

Being a method of flagging problems with the user’s health:

• Are they on the way to develop Type 2 diabetes?
• Can large glucose swings that are linked to heart disease and inflammation be detected?
• Are glucose levels negatively affecting the user’s vitality, focus and mood?

Health problems and solutions can be identified

• The amount of glucose ‘hiding’ in their food can be a surprise for users;
• Users can also see how valuable exercise is for steadying glucose levels after meals;
• This awareness may help people lose weight if combined with a nutrition programme.

Athletes are likely to be enthusiastic about CGMs in terms of improving their training, performance and recovery, judging by this article on the Wired website.

Seeing how this area of health monitoring develops will be interesting.

If you’re concerned about your blood glucose levels, arrange a consultation with Dr Mark Vanderpump via his Top Doctors profile.