If you or someone you know has diabetes, you’ve probably heard of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The small circular medical devices measure blood sugar levels using a small sensor under the skin. You’ve probably seen the commercials in which pop star Nick Jonas shows off his CGM, which is attached to the back of his (very toned) arm.
Jonas Triceps aside, CGMs have been in the spotlight lately since the FDA approved the first over-the-counter (OTC) CGM earlier this year.
The clearance is a big deal as it allows anyone over the age of 18 to purchase the CGM without a prescription. Before the new OTC options, all CGMs were prescription-only and were typically prescribed to people who have diabetes and take insulin to control blood sugar levels.
The FDA announced that it is expanding access to CGMs so that people with type 2 diabetes — and, in fact, anyone who wants to monitor their blood sugar levels — can do so regardless of health insurance.
Continuous glucose monitors for people with diabetes
For any diabetic, access to CGMs can be life-changing. Diabetes is a disease in which your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or doesn’t use insulin properly (Type 2). People with both types can have high blood sugar levels, which over time can lead to serious health problems, including kidney and heart damage. That’s why it’s so important to keep blood sugar levels within a target range (80 to 130 for an average adult).
Read: The intersection between heart disease, diabetes and stroke >>
CGMs offer more freedom and less pain than using a standard glucose meter. Instead of having to prick your finger multiple times a day, the CGM sensor is inserted into your arm, typically every two weeks, and is paired with an app on your smartphone so you can get your numbers right away. This can also mean you have to spend less time stopping everything you’re doing to get to a sanitary facility and check your blood sugar.
People with diabetes or even prediabetes can use a CGM to examine various health factors, including the effects of certain foods, exercise and medications.
It’s important to note that over-the-counter CGMs are not the same as prescription CGMs (like the one Jonas wears). The OTC monitors do not detect low blood sugar levels, also called hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not detected in time. If you are concerned about low blood sugar, contact your doctor immediately.
Continuous glucose monitoring for people who do not have diabetes
People who don’t have diabetes or known blood sugar problems can use OTC CGMs to examine how diet and exercise affect glucose levels. Knowing these numbers can help motivate some people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. However, research is still ongoing into what health benefits CGMs might have for people who don’t have diabetes.
Some researchers say the data may lead people to make unhealthy decisions, such as skipping meals, to stay within their goal range. And there is always the possibility that the CGM may not be as accurate as you think if it is used incorrectly or malfunctions.
Another potential issue is cost: OTC CGMs aren’t exactly cheap. For example, a two-week plan that includes a sensor and access to the app costs $49.
You may not need a prescription for an over-the-counter CGM, but you should speak to your doctor before purchasing to make sure it is right for you and your health goals. This is what Nick Jonas would want you to do.
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