Continuous Glucose Monitor for metabolic health: a game-changer for weight loss.
Here is the secret: Data = behavior change.
What are signs you might have issues with your blood sugar?
Being overweight, being underweight, heart palpitations, anxiety, mood swings, and the list goes on.
Continuous glucose monitor, or CGM for short, measures blood continuously. Historically, it has been used for diabetic patients as a more convenient way to measure blood sugar. For patients taking insulin that need to be checking their blood sugar levels multiple times per day, a CGM is usually covered by insurance. As the CGM technology has become more affordable, CGMs are being prescribed for non-diabetic patients. For perspective, when I was in medical school, these were mainly prescribed to children with type 1 diabetes. During my residency training, insurance would usually cover a CGM for patients taking insulin and checking their blood sugars 3 or more times per day. Currently, many insurances will cover it for patients with suboptimal blood sugar control, even if not on insulin.
Let me tell you about my patients’ testimonials after using a CGM.
I hear statements like, “I can’t believe my blood sugar spiked with THAT food,” “I thought THIS food was good for me, but it spikes my blood sugar and this other one does not.” The fact that each individual’s blood sugar reacts uniquely to food, is not surprising to me. However, I was surprised when I noticed a pattern that patients using a CGM were more diligent about avoiding foods that spiked their blood sugar. These are patients who were previously aware that simple carbs would raise their blood sugar more than protein, fat, or complex carbs. However, second-hand knowledge did not result in behavior change. Whereas, when they scanned their own CGM and saw the numbers in their own body, they made meaningful changes to their diet.
Ok, so the benefit for diabetic patients is obvious, but can it help you if your Hb A1c is technically normal? Yes, if you have prediabetes or have the beginning stages of insulin resistance, it will give you knowledge about the foods that your body does not like. If you do not have prediabetes/insulin resistance, then the answer is maybe.
How do we know if it will help you?
Do a trial with a CGM for 2 weeks to see if you have insulin resistance issues.
If you want to try a CGM today, I can prescribe this to you after an initial consultation. If you purchase a consultation from me, and find the experience beneficial, I will credit you the $250 consultation fee toward a membership. Our membership includes direct access to your physician when health matters arise, as well as 6 scheduled telehealth visits with me to work on your health issues.