Once reserved for people with diabetes, blood sugar monitors are now available over-the-counter. Two doctors explain what they can do, and if you need one.
The article from POPSUGAR discusses the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) by non-diabetics to manage and understand their blood sugar levels. Originally designed for people with diabetes, these devices are now being adopted by health enthusiasts and biohackers to gain insights into how different foods and activities affect their glucose levels. The article explains that while these monitors can provide valuable data, their use in non-diabetics isn't necessarily backed by extensive research for general health improvement. It highlights potential benefits like optimizing diet, improving metabolic health, and preventing future health issues, but also notes the cost, the need for medical supervision, and the lack of long-term studies on their effectiveness for non-diabetics. The piece also touches on the trend of "biohacking" where individuals use technology to enhance their health, and how CGMs fit into this movement by offering real-time data that can guide lifestyle choices.