Beyond Diabetes: Understanding the Rise of Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitors
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are rapidly moving beyond their conventional role in diabetes management. In March 2024, Dexcom received FDA clearance for its first over-the-counter CGM, Stelo. Shortly after, Abbott followed suit, gaining approval for two over-the-counter CGM devices. This shift opens up exciting possibilities for individuals interested in proactively managing their metabolic health.
but with this increased accessibility comes a crucial question: how do you interpret the data when you don’t have diabetes? Researchers at Mass General Brigham in Boston recently tackled this very issue, and their findings offer valuable insights.
What the Research Reveals
The study, published this week, examined data from 972 adults aged 40 and older. Participants were categorized as having type 2 diabetes (421 individuals), prediabetes (319 individuals), or normal blood sugar levels (232 individuals).
Here’s what the researchers discovered:
* Accuracy in Diabetes: CGM metrics – like average glucose and time in range – closely aligned with standard blood glucose testing for individuals with diagnosed diabetes. This confirms the continued reliability of CGMs for those managing the condition.
* Variability in Non-Diabetic Individuals: For those with prediabetes or normal blood sugar, the CGM metrics were less consistent when compared to traditional testing methods. This suggests a different level of interpretation is needed.
* Short-Term Insights are Key: The data suggests CGMs are currently most valuable for understanding immediate lifestyle impacts on your glucose levels. think of it as real-time feedback on your body’s response to food, activity, and sleep.
Decoding Your Glucose Data: What Can a CGM Tell You?
Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, an internal medicine physician at Mass General Brigham and study author, emphasizes the power of seeing glucose fluctuations in real-time. “CGMs can help people see how lifestyle factors such as diet, activity and sleep affect glucose in real time,” he explains.
He even experienced this firsthand, wearing a CGM himself despite never having been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes.
“There was one day when I ate a soup. I thought I was being healthy by having a soup. Then it turns out the soup had rice noodles. I didn’t know these rice noodles were just going to drive my sugar up - and it was up for quite some time,” Dr. Rodriguez shared. “For some reason, I didn’t register that this was not a great thing to eat from a glycemic standpoint.That was a learning point for me.”
this anecdote highlights a key benefit: CGMs can reveal hidden metabolic responses to seemingly healthy foods. You might be surprised by what your body reveals.
The Future of CGM Research
While these initial findings are promising, Dr. Rodriguez cautions against drawing definitive clinical conclusions just yet. The Mass General Brigham study was cross-sectional, meaning data was collected at a single point in time.
More longitudinal research – tracking individuals over months and years - is needed to determine:
* Can CGM patterns in non-diabetic individuals predict the development of diabetes?
* Do these patterns correlate with long-term health outcomes like heart disease or stroke?
* What are the optimal ways to interpret CGM data for personalized health recommendations?
Ultimately, the rise of over-the-counter CGMs represents a significant step towards proactive health management. By understanding how your body responds to daily choices, you can make informed decisions to optimize your well-being. However, remember to view this technology as a tool for exploration and learning, and always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Image Credit: Yana iskayeva, Getty Images
Disclaimer: Dr. Helena Fischer is a content strategist and SEO expert. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
