Title: Are Continuous Glucose Monitors the Next Health Craze or Just a Distraction?
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have long been a valuable tool for individuals living with diabetes, providing real-time monitoring of blood sugar levels. However, recent FDA approvals have cleared two new devices for use without a prescription, sparking a debate on whether these devices are truly beneficial for those without diabetes.
One individual, Cindy Bekkedam, shared her experience with a CGM, recounting how the device woke her up in the middle of the night with an alarm signaling a concerning drop in her blood sugar levels. Despite not having diabetes, Bekkedam found herself questioning her health status and feeling unnecessary fear due to the constant updates on her glucose levels.
While some experts believe that CGMs can offer insights into overall health and wellness, others remain skeptical, pointing to a lack of evidence supporting their benefits for non-diabetics. Marketed as tools for improving energy, mood, and sleep, these devices come with a hefty price tag, raising questions about their true value for individuals without medical conditions that require glucose monitoring.
Despite the growing trend of CGMs in the health, wellness, and sports industries, concerns remain about the potential harm of fixating on glucose levels and straying away from focusing on essential health practices like exercise and a balanced diet. Critics argue that CGMs could lead to unnecessary stress and foster unhealthy behaviors, such as disordered eating.
As the popularity of CGMs continues to rise, the debate over their true impact on health and well-being persists. While some see them as a valuable tool for optimizing health, others caution against becoming overly reliant on these devices and losing sight of the bigger picture of living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
