Continuous glucose monitoring devices: More harm than good.

Amidst the boom in wearable technology, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), compact devices about the size of two coins stacked together, are attracting particular attention.

Continuous glucose meter (CGM). (Source: Sydenham Clinic)

Originally designed to save the lives of millions of people with diabetes, CGM is now becoming a fashionable accessory for those pursuing a "healthiest lifestyle," even when perfectly healthy. But is this a giant leap forward in personalized medicine, or just a risky, passing fad?

With over 38 million Americans living with diabetes – a condition that occurs when blood sugar is high because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant, causing serious damage to the heart, kidneys, and vision – CGM is a revolutionary tool.

No longer needing to repeatedly prick their wrists throughout the day, users simply attach a small sensor patch to their arm or abdomen. A tiny needle gently penetrates the skin, measuring interstitial glucose levels and sending data every few minutes to a phone or handheld device. This technology helps patients precisely adjust their insulin dosage and monitor their body's response after meals or exercise – something previously almost impossible.

However, surprisingly, the vast majority of current CGM users do not have diabetes. Thanks to the aggressive marketing campaigns of health technology companies and influential individuals, CGM has become an essential item for those who are passionate about tracking their personal health down to the smallest detail, helping them "understand themselves better" through blood glucose data after meals or during exercise.

In light of this situation, medical experts are warning about a dangerous trend: the use of CGM without clinical indication.

According to Dr. Jody Dushay, an endocrinologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, there is little evidence to suggest that CGM is helpful for people with normal blood sugar levels.

She explained that a healthy body is very effective at regulating blood sugar. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels after meals are perfectly normal. The problem is that many people worry excessively about these insignificant variations and may develop a feeling of illness when they are not sick at all.

The expert also warned that these devices are not always accurate, sometimes producing misleading results, especially if not properly instructed.

Meanwhile, Dr. David Kessler said that people without risk factors for diabetes still use the tracker simply out of curiosity. Having worn a CGM himself for research while writing his book, Kessler admitted, "It's an interesting tool to experiment with."

Dr. Dushay assesses that for individuals with prediabetes, obesity, or a history of gestational diabetes, CGM can be a helpful tool. However, for the majority, chasing blood glucose levels while the body is functioning normally can lead to unnecessary anxiety and a lifestyle dependent on numbers.

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