Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are wearable devices that allow individuals to track their blood glucose levels in real-time. Initially developed for people with diabetes, CGMs have become increasingly popular among health-conscious individuals looking to optimize their overall health and longevity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what CGMs are, what they are usually used for, and how they can be used for longevity.
What Are Continuous Glucose Monitors?
CGMs are small sensors that are inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid that surrounds the body’s cells). The sensors are connected to a transmitter that sends the data to a receiver or a smartphone app, allowing the user to see their glucose levels in real time. CGMs are typically used to monitor glucose levels continuously over a period of several days to several weeks.
There are several types of CGMs available, including those that require calibration with traditional blood glucose monitors and those that do not. Some CGMs are designed for short-term use, while others can be worn for up to 90 days.
What Are CGMs Usually Used For?
CGMs are primarily used to manage diabetes and hypoglycemia. For people with diabetes, CGMs provide a more comprehensive picture of glucose levels over time than traditional blood glucose monitoring methods, which only provide a snapshot of glucose levels at a particular moment. CGMs can also help people with diabetes to avoid dangerous highs and lows in glucose levels, as well as identify patterns in their glucose levels that may be contributing to complications.
In addition to diabetes management, CGMs can be used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to track their glucose levels during exercise and to optimize their nutrition and recovery. CGMs can also be used by people without diabetes to track their glucose levels and identify patterns that may be contributing to issues such as fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain.
How Can CGMs Be Used For Longevity?
Recent studies have shown that high blood glucose levels are associated with increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage, which can contribute to accelerated aging and an increased risk of age-related diseases such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. By using a CGM to monitor glucose levels continuously, individuals can identify patterns in their glucose levels that may be contributing to these issues and make lifestyle changes to optimize their glucose levels for longevity.
Glucose Monitoring For Diet
One way that CGMs can be used for longevity is by optimizing diet. A diet high in carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates, can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose levels and increased inflammation. Conversely, a diet low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats can help to stabilize blood glucose levels and reduce inflammation, both of which are key factors in aging and age-related diseases. By using a CGM to track their glucose levels, individuals can determine which foods and meals are causing spikes in their glucose levels and adjust their diet accordingly. This can lead to improved glucose control, reduced inflammation, and potentially lower risk of age-related diseases.
Another way that CGMs can be used for longevity is by optimizing exercise. Exercise can help to regulate blood glucose levels, but the optimal type and duration of exercise can vary depending on the individual. By monitoring their glucose levels during exercise, individuals can determine which types and durations of exercise are most effective at regulating their glucose levels. This can help them to optimize their exercise routine for glucose control and potentially reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
CGMs can also be used to track the impact of sleep quality and duration on glucose levels. Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality can cause spikes in blood glucose levels, which can increase inflammation and oxidative stress. By using a CGM to track their glucose levels during sleep, individuals can determine whether their sleep habits are contributing to glucose dysregulation and make adjustments as needed. This can lead to improved glucose control, better sleep quality, and potentially lower risk of age-related diseases.
Popular CGM Brands
Continuous Glucose Monitoring For Longevity
CGMs are a valuable tool for managing health and optimizing longevity. By monitoring glucose levels continuously, individuals can identify patterns that may be contributing to health issues and make lifestyle changes to optimize their glucose levels for longevity. Whether you have diabetes or are simply looking to improve your overall health, a CGM can provide valuable insights into your glucose levels and help you make informed decisions about your health.
