Types of CGMs


specific uses by the Food and Drug Administration. They all use sensors, but prescription CGMs may also come with a gadget that gives a readout of glucose levels, rather than relying on a smartphone to display levels. Prescription CGMs are FDA-


C


approved for people with diabetes who use insulin or have suff ered episodes of dangerously low blood sugar. Compared to over-the-counter CGMs,


prescription models measure a broader range of blood sugar levels, such as 40


Reduce or skip carb- rich foods and see what your blood sugar does 20 or 30 minutes after you eat; then an hour later; and then two hours later. Keep track of exercise, too. A walk for 10-15 minutes can curb an after-meal spike.


registered dietitian and nutritionist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who has used a CGM herself and with her clients during the last few years. This, she tells Newsmax, is a key


thing to look for: “Have you spiked and then plummeted?” Signs can include feeling woozy or lightheaded. Maybe you start to feel anxious, or as though you’re about to sweat. Low blood sugar, which follows high blood sugar spikes, is the trigger. While spikes in blood sugar are a


problem for most adults, low blood sugar is of concern for some serious athletes. Hours of endurance exercise burn extra blood sugar and can lead to a level so low that it causes total


to 400 mg/dL, and only prescription CGMs have alarms that are set off by dangerously high or low blood sugar. Costs should be covered by


Medicare or other insurance. Without insurance or discount coupons, costs


for a prescription CGM can range from $1,200 to $7,000 per year. Over-the-counter CGMs work with a


smartphone or smartwatch. Stelo (stelo.com) is FDA-approved


for people with diabetes who do not use insulin or suff er from dangerously low blood sugar; people with prediabetes; and healthy people who want to improve their fitness. The Stelo CGM reads blood sugar


levels between 70 and 250 mg/dL. The price is $99 per month for two sensors as a one-time purchase, or $89 per month with a subscription. Stelo works with apps for Apple and Android smartphones and smartwatches. Lingo (hellolingo.com) is FDA-


approved for healthy people who do not have prediabetes or diabetes but want to track blood sugar to improve their fitness. The Lingo CGM reads blood sugar levels between 55 and 200 mg/dL. One sensor for two weeks’ wear costs $49. Four weeks’ worth — two sensors — costs $89, and a 12-week subscription costs $249. As of press time, the Lingo app is available only for the iPhone.


exhaustion during a race. A CGM can help identify


underlying dietary problems and let an athlete know that their blood sugar is dipping before it hits rock bottom.


HOW TO BENEFIT If you do try a CGM, for the fi rst few days or so, Cottrell recommends that you “go about life and be in observation mode; trends are more what you’re looking for.” You will want to connect your


food to your trends, so keep a record of meals and snacks. You don’t have to note the exact quantities of every ingredient. Next, she suggests


experimenting. Reduce or skip carb-rich foods and see what your blood sugar does 20 or 30 minutes after you eat; then an hour later; and then two hours later. Keep track of exercise, too. A walk for 10–15 minutes can curb an after- meal spike.


CAN A CGM HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?


Stable blood sugar prevents energy sags and between-meal cravings, leads to more consistent mental and physical energy throughout the day, and enhances overall health. While this won’t automatically cause weight loss, it can help to control appetite. You don’t have to


use a CGM forever. In a short time, you can learn enough about your own metabolism to make some important changes and enhance your health.


FEBRUARY 2025 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 89


continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are approved for


WOMAN/PAPERKITES©ISTOCK


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