Measure Blood Sugar with a Grain of Salt: Understanding CGMs

Measure blood sugar with a grain of salt is more important today than ever. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are no longer used only by people with diabetes. Healthy individuals now wear them to explore how food, exercise, stress, and sleep affect glucose levels. But what do these numbers really mean?

What Are Continuous Glucose Monitors?

CGMs are small sensors attached to the arm or abdomen. They measure glucose levels from the fluid beneath the skin and send the data to a smartphone. A single device costs around $50 and works for about two weeks.

Normal Glucose Ranges and Why They Matter

Blood sugar between 70 and 140 mg/dL after eating is considered optimal. Repeated spikes above this range may increase the risk of heart disease, fatigue, and anxiety. But responses vary: one person might stay stable after rice, while another experiences a spike.

Can You Trust CGM Readings If You Don’t Have Diabetes?

Researchers caution that we must measure blood sugar with a grain of salt. In people without diabetes, there’s no clear medical standard for what counts as “normal.” Studies show that many spend three hours a day above 140 mg/dL, yet doctors don’t always agree on whether this is dangerous.

Personalized Diets and Lifestyle Insights

CGMs can guide personalized nutrition. For example, someone can test how their body reacts to white bread vs. wheat bread. Tracking food, sleep, and stress alongside CGM data helps create a complete picture.

The Limits of Focusing Only on Blood Sugar

Health is broader than one metric. One study found eating rice quickly kept glucose flat, but eating slowly caused a spike. Does that mean you should always eat fast? Of course not. Eating too quickly can lead to overeating and poor digestion. That’s why we should measure blood sugar with a grain of salt and consider the whole lifestyle picture.

Final Takeaway

CGMs are powerful tools, but they are not the ultimate answer. If you decide to use one, track your data alongside other health factors. Always remember to measure blood sugar with a grain of salt and focus on overall well-being, not just one number.

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