Is the Levels CGM Worth It?

The Levels program offers glucose data, but its value can be limited without expert guidance for interpretation. The Nutrisense program provides a more complete solution by pairing 24/7 data with 1-on-1 support from a registered dietitian to help you build lasting habits.

At a glance:

• Levels uses an annual membership. CGM kits are purchased separately. Dietitian support is now offered through a partnership and is often covered by insurance for eligible members.
• The Nutrisense program includes complimentary access to a personal dietitian for the first month, with the option for continued video calls that are often covered by insurance.
• Compare the features and pricing of both programs to decide which one best fits your health goals and budget.
• Nutrisense ships to all 50 U.S. states, while Levels is available in all US states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

Considering a CGM for Glucose Tracking?

Are you ready to invest in a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) program to optimize your health, and you're wondering where to begin? 

CGMs and glucose biosensors are small devices that sit on your arm and give you 24/7 data on how your glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. Devices like CGMs and glucose biosensors can help you pinpoint specific patterns of activity or certain foods that may be hindering your health progress and affecting your glucose levels.

What to Expect When Wearing a Sensor

If you are new to wearing a glucose biosensor, here is what the physical experience looks like and how to set yourself up for a smooth start. The sensor reads glucose measured in interstitial fluid, not blood, and once activated, you will see 24/7 readings in your app after a brief warm-up. Learn more in How it Works.

• Placement: The back of the upper arm is a common site. Choose a spot you do not sleep on often and avoid areas with scarring or where tight clothing rubs. Rotate sides with each new sensor.
• Skin prep: Apply to clean, dry skin. Skip lotions or petroleum-based products right before application. If hair removal is needed, shave in advance to reduce skin irritation and help the adhesive patch bond.
• Start-up and early readings: Expect a short activation period before data appears. On the first day, focus on patterns over time rather than any single number. Log meals, activity, and sleep so you and your Nutrisense dietitian can review trends together.
• Comfort and daily life: Application is quick and may feel like a brief pinch. If you are very active or swim, an overlay patch can add extra security to keep the sensor in place.

With so many providers to choose from (Levels Health, Signos, and of course, Nutrisense), you may not be sure which one will give you the most bang for your buck. 

In this article, we’ll compare the Levels Health and Nutrisense programs to determine the pros and cons of each option, so you can make the best decision for your health needs.

What is the Levels Health CGM?

Levels Health is a health and fitness company that helps people improve their metabolic health. Their continuous glucose monitor program seeks to provide members with insight into their health using personalized data.

What Members Get

Members of the Levels program get access to the Levels app and can purchase a separate CGM subscription. Depending on the membership tier, dietitian support is either included or available as an add-on that may be covered by insurance.

The Nutrisense program also offers glucose monitoring with monthly shipments of glucose biosensors that measure glucose in interstitial fluid and sync to the app. Each Nutrisense member can also work with a credentialed dietitian (by signing up for their video call options) who can help them interpret this data and get support in creating healthier, long-term habits.

The Nutrisense program helps optimize metabolic health and is ideal for anyone who wants to reach their health potential in any way. This may be through weight loss, creating healthy eating habits, or even maximizing athletic performance.

What Does Levels CGM Track?

People who sign up for the Levels Health program can track their biometric data, or glucose levels, measured by the device. Like other CGMs, the Levels program allows you to track glucose levels as you eat, exercise, sleep, and go about your day.

Streaming vs Manual

This program also comes with two CGM options: streaming or manual upload. While both CGMs can track the same information, the manual device needs to be scanned every few hours using your phone, while the streaming option sends the information via Bluetooth.

Optional Lab Testing

Levels members also have the option to track additional health data through lab testing; however, this comes at an extra charge on top of the membership fee.

How Much Does Levels Cost?

Let’s examine the price of the Levels program over time, from the initial purchase fee to the renewing monthly membership options and any additional health tracking features Levels offers.

Initial Cost

Levels now offers annual memberships starting at $125/year, with CGM kits either included or purchased separately, depending on the plan.

Membership Renewals

With Levels Health, you can choose whether to sign up for a single month without renewal or a monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly renewal.

Lab Panel Pricing

Levels now includes lab testing in its Core and Complete membership tiers. Through this option, Levels will send a phlebotomist to your home to collect your blood sample. This health panel measures:

• Fasting insulin
• Fasting glucose
• Hemoglobin A1C
• Total Cholesterol
• Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)
• High-density Lipoprotein (HDL)
• Triglycerides
• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

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What Features Come with Levels?

The Levels Health program offers a range of health data to provide you with unique insights into your metabolic health. Now that you understand how the Levels program works, what it tracks, and how much you'll be charged each month, let’s get into the key features of the program.

Diet Tracking

As a Levels Health member, you can input and track your meals inside the Levels app. This is done by manually inputting what you consumed during each meal so you can track it against your glucose response.

This data makes it easier for your nutritionist (if you’re working with one) to better understand your diet and help you make healthier choices as needed. It also allows you to view what foods are impacting your glucose response throughout the day.

Activity Tracking

Similarly to tracking your diet, you can also monitor your physical activity and fitness level. On the Levels app, you can input your workouts and keep track of your daily activities, such as walking or going to the gym. This information can help you further understand how your daily activities affect your glucose levels.

Health Monitoring

By keeping track of your meals, physical activity, glucose levels, and the optional additional metabolic health results (if purchased), the Levels program allows you to monitor your overall health.

Some members can work with a nutritionist (for an additional fee) to use the data to reach their health goals and optimize their metabolic health. Glucose trends can relate to energy, mood, and day-to-day feelings. Tracking can help you and a professional spot patterns and plan next steps.

Nutrition Support Options

The previous nutritionist marketplace has been replaced by a partnership with Season Health, where dietitian sessions may be covered by a member's insurance at no extra cost. Additionally, the Complete plan includes unlimited metabolic coaching.

In contrast, Nutrisense offers insurance-covered video calls with a team of certified, glucose-trained registered dietitians and nutritionists.

Nutrisense vs Levels: Which Program Should You Choose?

Now that we’ve broken down the full offering that Levels Health provides for subscribed members, you may be wondering how it compares to competitive options like the Nutrisense program.

From Data Overload to a Clear Plan?

You're deep into researching CGM programs, comparing costs and features side-by-side. Both promise a sensor and an app to see your glucose data. But you hesitate, remembering past attempts with other health apps where you were left with charts and numbers, but the same old question: "So, what do I do now?" 

You're not looking for more data to figure out on your own. You're looking for a clear path forward with an expert who can help connect the dots between the numbers and your next meal. 

Choosing Between Nutrisense and Levels

While there are similarities between Nutrisense’s program and Levels Health's program, there are also key differences that are important to take into account before making the best decision for your health needs.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each program to highlight the main differences between the two.

Pros of Nutrisense

• The Nutrisense App is user-friendly, allowing you to sign up, activate your glucose biosensors, and track data in the same place.
• Flexible program options make it ideal for people with unique and individual health goals to find a program that meets their needs.
• The option to sign up for 1:1 video calls with Nutrisense’s glucose-certified team of registered dietitians and nutritionists (who possess a wide range of specialties).
• Nutritionist coaching that includes providing feedback on glucose data, creating customized nutrition and fitness plans, lifestyle and metabolism training, creating recipes and meal plans together, and reviewing lab results.
• Free membership to a Facebook community of Nutrisense members to ask questions, get support, connect with others, and share insights.
• Free webinars for members covering different topics of interest in glucose and metabolic health.
• The glucose biosensors provided by the Nutrisense program are waterproof up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) for up to 24 hours.
• Ships to all 50 U.S. states.

Cons of Nutrisense

• Not shipping outside of the United States.

Pros of Levels CGM

• Flexible plans to select how often you wish to receive additional devices (one month, bimonthly, quarterly).
• Ability to ask health questions to thought leaders like functional medicine practitioners inside the app.
• Like the glucose biosensors with the Nutrisense program, the devices provided by Levels Health are water-resistant and/or waterproof.
• Access to a Facebook group with other members for support throughout the program, plus community challenges to keep you engaged.

Cons of Levels CGM

• All members must subscribe to an annual membership, even if they do not sign up for monthly CGM renewals.
• No diversity of options for lab testing - a metabolic health panel is the only testing currently available.
• Complicated app setup and integration, as two apps are required to complete your setup and track your data.
• Not available internationally.