If you or someone you know has diabetes, you’ve probably heard of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The small circular medical devices track blood glucose (sugar) levels through a small sensor under the skin. You’ve probably seen the commercials featuring pop star Nick Jonas showing off his CGM secured to the back of his (very toned) arm.
Jonas Tricep aside, CGMs have been in the spotlight lately since the FDA approved the first over-the-counter (OTC) CGM earlier this year.
The authorization is important because it allows anyone over 18 years of age to purchase the CGM without a prescription. Before the new over-the-counter options, all CGMs required a prescription and were typically prescribed to people who had diabetes and took insulin to control blood sugar levels.
The FDA said it is expanding access to CGMs so that people with type 2 diabetes (and really anyone who wants to control their blood sugar levels) can do so regardless of their health insurance.
Continuous glucose monitors for people with diabetes
For anyone with diabetes, access to CGMs can be life-changing. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin (type 1) or does not use insulin correctly (type 2). People with either type can experience high blood sugar levels, which can cause serious health problems over time, 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 the average adult).
Read: The intersection of heart disease, diabetes and stroke >>
CGMs offer more freedom and less pain than using a standard glucose monitor. Instead of having to prick your fingers several times a day, the CGM sensor is inserted into your arm, usually once every two weeks, and links to an app on your smartphone, allowing you to get your numbers right away. That can also mean less time spent in the process of stopping what you’re doing to get to a sanitary location and check your blood sugar.
People with diabetes, or even prediabetes, can use a CGM to look at different health factors, including the impact 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 uses). Over-the-counter monitors do not recognize low blood sugar levels, also called hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not detected early. If you are concerned about low blood sugar, talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Continuous glucose monitors for people who do not have diabetes
People who do not have diabetes or known blood sugar problems can use over-the-counter CGM to see how food and exercise affect glucose levels. Having the numbers can help motivate some people to choose healthier lifestyles. However, research is being done into the health benefits that CGMs may have for people who do not have diabetes.
Some researchers have said the data can lead people to make unhealthy decisions, such as skipping meals to stay within their target range. And there is always a chance that CGM may not be as accurate as you think if it is applied incorrectly or does not work properly.
Another potential problem is cost: over-the-counter CGMs aren’t exactly cheap. For example, a two-week plan that includes a sensor and app access costs $49.
You may not need a prescription for an over-the-counter CGM, but you should talk to your healthcare provider before purchasing one to make sure it’s right for you and your health goals. It’s what Nick Jonas would want you to do.
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