A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is an important tool for those with diabetes, and those who want to monitor their health more closely. It is a small disc, approximately the size of a quarter, which contains a tiny sensor in the middle. This sensor is inserted into the back of the arm, and provides a continuous stream of glucose data 24/7. 

This data is then sent to an app, which then helps the user understand what their body is doing. This data is invaluable for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, who may have previously relied on finger pricks and lab draws to get their glucose levels. With a CGM, they can get a more in-depth understanding of how their glucose levels are fluctuating throughout the day, and make any necessary lifestyle or dietary changes accordingly.  

The data from a CGM can also be used to detect underlying health issues, such as inflammation and obesity, which can lead to chronic illnesses like heart disease. It is also beneficial for women who are going through hormonal changes, as the data can help them better understand how different hormones are affecting their glucose levels. Additionally, the CGM can be used to understand how different foods, sleep, stress and exercise affect glucose levels. 

For example, with a CGM, you can see how a high-intensity workout affects your glucose levels, or how a stressful day can cause a spike in glucose levels. Overall, the CGM is a valuable tool for those with diabetes, and those who want to monitor their health more closely.

 With the data it provides, users can make informed decisions about their lifestyle and diet, and potentially prevent further health issues down the road.

How CGM can help us understand food

Catherine Staffieri, a nutrition specialist and CGM expert, explains that glucose is a great source of energy for our bodies. In order to use it properly, our bodies must respond to it with the right amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that unlocks our cells so that glucose can enter. With insulin resistance, the cells don't recognize the key and the glucose is unable to enter the cells, leading to elevated glucose levels and inflammation.   

CGM can help individuals understand their own unique responses to different types of food. While the glycemic index can help us understand what makes a food good or bad, CGM can provide more detailed information about how our bodies are responding to particular foods. Additionally, CGM can help us understand the impacts of other lifestyle factors, such as sleep, stress, and exercise, on our glucose levels. For instance, CGM can help us understand what is happening when we experience a high-intensity workout or a lack of sleep. High-intensity workouts can cause our bodies to release glucose due to a lack of available energy, while a lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and higher baseline glucose levels. 

CGM can also help us understand how our meals are impacting our glucose levels. Eating too many carbohydrates or eating at the wrong time can cause an unexpected spike in glucose. Overall, CGM can be an incredibly valuable tool for understanding how our bodies respond to food and lifestyle factors. With the insights gained from CGM, we can make more informed decisions about what to eat and when to eat it, ultimately leading to better health.

In this podcast, you will learn: - What is CGM - The importance of daily tracking glucose, insulin and ketone  - The consequences of chronic sleep deprivation - The benefits of tracking meals - What is the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber? - What are the best times to eat protein and carbohydrates and so much more

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