Health tracking has become a growing trend in the UK, with up to half the population using wearable devices. The latest tool gaining attention is the continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—a device once used only by people with diabetes.
CGMs are small sensors worn on the upper arm or stomach. They track glucose levels in real-time and send the data to a mobile app. This allows users to see how their body responds to different foods and activities.
While CGMs offer detailed insights, experts are divided on whether they are helpful for people without diabetes.
Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps control blood sugar. People with Type 1 diabetes are born with little or no insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin but becomes less sensitive to it over time. Diet and genetics both play a role.
Years of eating high-sugar or high-carb foods can cause repeated spikes in blood sugar. Over time, this may lead to insulin resistance, a key feature of Type 2 diabetes.
So, do healthy people benefit from CGMs?
Surprisingly, nearly 80% of people with early signs of diabetes—known as prediabetes—don’t know they’re at risk. By tracking glucose every few minutes, CGMs help users see how their blood sugar changes throughout the day. This real-time feedback has prompted many to adjust their diet or increase exercise. In fact, 80% of non-diabetic CGM users said they changed their eating habits after seeing how food affected their glucose.
Still, some experts warn that too much data can cause stress. They argue that learning about the glycaemic index—the rate at which foods raise blood sugar—may be a simpler and less stressful way to improve health.
There are also technical limits. Some CGMs still need backup finger-prick tests to ensure accuracy. That’s because CGMs measure glucose from fluid between cells, while finger tests use blood from capillaries.
Despite these concerns, CGMs are moving into the wider health and wellness market. This reflects a shift in how people manage their health—using technology to stay informed and in control.
But experts say the key is balance. CGMs may be useful, but they should be part of a broader approach that includes education, moderation, and common sense.
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