Continuous Glucose Monitoring - Definition, Process & Purpose
Continuous
Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring allows you to see how your blood sugar levels change throughout the day. With a CGM, you can spot patterns and trends by observing real-time glucose responses to food, stress, exercise, sleeping habits, and other daily activities.
CGMs can have non-medical uses as part of a healthy lifestyle that can help you reach your wellness goals, no matter what they may be.
Curious about trying a CGM?
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Nutrisense arms you with the tools to understand what makes your body tick and make changes that work for....you.
“There are several ways to monitor glucose. You can get a basic lab test at a doctor’s office, or a traditional test strip monitor can measure blood glucose by applying a drop of blood to a chemically treated test strip, which is then inserted into a glucose meter that detects the reaction of the test strip and blood and displays the measurement in units of mg/dl or mmol/L.
The most recent monitors are called CGM or continuous glucose monitoring, which works by inserting a tiny sensory under the skin of the arm or belly, which detects the fluid under the skin basically in between cells, taking measurements every few minutes that are then transmitted wirelessly to a monitor or smartphone.
The last type of sensor that is yet to be readily available and being studied is a noninvasive glucose monitor called Raman Spectroscopy, which uses light to measure glucose simply by touching your skin. There are other versions of glucose monitoring that also use touch in various forms by electrical impulses and light to detect glucose levels as well.”
— Dr. Payam Vahedifar, M.D., physician, pain management specialist
History of CGMs
CGMs were first developed about 20 years ago for people with type 1 diabetes to check their blood glucose levels. At the time, researchers were seeking new, non-invasive solutions that could allow for more finely-tuned adjustments to insulin.
These sensors were also a way to support guided implementation of dietary and lifestyle changes to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Over the decades, CGMs have improved and the associated costs have decreased, bringing the technology within reach of a broader audience.
Continuous glucose monitors are now becoming increasingly accessible as a consumer tool, and are even available without a prescription in some countries across Europe, as well as in Canada and India.
While the Nutrisense CGM program is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes, the devices can have beneficial uses as part of a healthy lifestyle for many.
Continuous Glucose Monitor
A CGM device measures your interstitial glucose, or the glucose found in the fluid surrounding your body’s cells. Unlike a traditional blood glucose monitor, or finger prick, a CGM remains in place on your arm for up to 14 days, measuring your real-time glucose levels every few minutes.
How Does a CGM Work?
The CGM tracks glucose levels through a tiny sensor that is painlessly inserted under your skin using a minimally-invasive needle applicator. With the device in place and covered by a protective patch, you can scan the CGM transmitter using an NFC-enabled smartphone to send your data to a mobile application like the Nutrisense app.
Some CGM devices come with a transmitter that sends data to a CGM receiver. The CGM receiver may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device altogether.
Continuous glucose monitoring technology has seen immense growth over the last few decades and has now become more accessible to the public. These devices can be worn in water, while flying, and during other activities without hindering your day-to-day life.
You can use a CGM to view how your glucose responds to variables such as food, exercise, stress, and sleep. CGM data works to provide you with the necessary information to monitor your overall well-being and make lifestyle adjustments that can help you reach your health goals.
Your CGM will need to be replaced every seven to 14 days, depending on the brand. CGMs provided by Nutrisense last for 14 days.
How to Access Continuous Glucose Monitoring
The Nutrisense program provides easier access to anyone who wants to use CGM technology to support their well-being. Not only that, all Nutrisense CGM programs pair you with complimentary one-on-one support from a nutritionist for your first month so you can get a better understanding of your body’s glucose response.
Continuous glucose monitor systems have historically only been available to the public through a medical prescription in the United States.
The Nutrisense CGM program takes care of the prescription for you. Costs can vary depending on the plan you choose.
At this time, Nutrisense is not covered by health insurance providers. For other coverage options, click here.
Experiment witheating windows, workout regimens, & macronutrient balance.
Nutrisense arms you with the tools to understand what makes your body tick and make changes that work for....you.
“Nutrisense taught me the how, the why, and the when to eat… This program has helped me learn how to keep losing weight and, at the same time, enjoy my food!”
Christine Aochi on How Using a CGM Helped her Understand her Blood Sugar Levels
CGM Expectations
Because CGMs read relative changes in your glucose levels with accuracy, they can be a valuable tool for solidifying healthier habits and getting results no matter what your lifestyle currently looks like.
Nutrisense members have used continuous glucose monitoring to track blood sugar level trends, and customize their diet, athletic performance, exercise approach, and other lifestyle factors in ways that work best for their individual well-being.
See how a CGM may be used as part of a healthy lifestyle to...
Build sustainable habits that improve your well-being
Support healthy blood sugar levels
Reduce the effects of stress
Lose weight
Sleep better
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Your questions
answered.
Still have questions? Here are some answers to a couple of most frequently asked questions.
A continuous glucose monitor is made up of a sensor, transmitter, and applicator and is inserted using an applicator that contains a small needle. Once applied to the back of your arm, the CGM device measures your interstitial glucose levels for up to 14 days.You can scan your CGM using a smartphone to collect and view your data in real-time. Sensors will need to be replaced periodically, as specified by your CGM provider. To learn more about the benefits of CGM sensors, click here.
CGM stands for continuous glucose monitor. This small device sits on the back of your arm and tracks your glucose levels 24/7.
The Nutrisense program is designed to help anyone achieve their wellness potential. Whether your goal is to lose weight, improve your fitness, or optimize your metabolic health, Nutrisense can support you on your journey.There are many benefits of continuous glucose monitoring when it comes to optimizing your health. Nutrisense helps you take a deeper look at your blood sugar levels in order to better understand how your dietary and lifestyle habits may be hindering your progress towards reaching your health goals. For more Nutrisense reviews and to learn more about our program, check out our member stories here.The Nutrisense CGM program provides you with real-time data from a CGM, a handy mobile app to track and record your data, and in-app support from a team of expert nutritionists. This combination of data and human support gives you unique insights into your blood sugar levels, so you can see how your body responds to various food and lifestyle factors, and create healthier, more sustainable lifestyle habits.
The most affordable CGM for non-diabetics via the Nutrisense program is $225 per month.CGM prices can vary depending on the program length you select. Keep in mind that for non-diabetics, continuous glucose monitoring without a prescription is typically not possible. Many insurance providers do not cover CGMs at this time.Nutrisense’s 12-month plan is the cheapest continuous glucose monitor available without a prescription.
What is a continuous glucose monitor? CGM technology allows you to view your blood sugar levels in real time to understand how your food, exercise, and lifestyle habits are affecting your glucose response.
*Disclaimer: The Nutrisense program is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any conditions such as diabetes.