Blood sugar monitors are now popular among people who don’t have diabetes. Companies are marketing them as tools for custom diets. Yet, top doctors caution that they might not be needed. In extreme situations, they could even cause harm.
Prof Partha Kar, who advises the NHS on diabetes, states that there is no solid evidence. This evidence would show that blood sugar monitors are helpful for people who do not have diabetes. Companies that worked on the Covid symptom-tracking app now offer a program. In it, people record what they eat and use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for two weeks. This device tracks their blood sugar levels after meals. However, it’s debatable whether this is necessary.
In people with diabetes, high blood sugar can cause organ damage if not monitored and kept in check. For people without diabetes, there’s not much evidence on what changes in blood sugar levels mean. Dr. Nicola Guess is a dietitian and diabetes researcher at the University of Oxford. She has stated that high blood sugar is linked to health problems. This is true for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Type 1 diabetes happens when a person’s pancreas can’t make insulin. Type 2 diabetes, which is more widespread, develops when cells don’t respond to insulin. Usually, you can manage it with diet, exercise, and checking your levels. But, people without diabetes don’t usually see major health effects from changes in blood sugar.
Some companies highlight minor research. These suggest that high blood sugar and its fluctuations throughout the day might relate to poor health outcomes. This is even before levels reach a prediabetes or diabetes stage. Yet, the majority of research still targets those with diabetes.
Furthermore, they also claims to investigate gut bacteria and its links to health through their program. While gut microbiome research is important, direct-to-consumer testing may not be reliable as it is still a young science with many unanswered questions.
So, do you really need a blood sugar monitor? The answer is likely no. While it may provide some interesting data, the evidence supporting its use for those without diabetes is lacking. Instead, focus on maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
References:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/health-68452019
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-1-diabetes/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
