Newsletter #21: You Need a GCM
- Admin
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
February/ March 2025
Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitors
Why you should try them. I did.
In recent years, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have become a crucial part of managing diabetes, offering real-time data on blood sugar levels and enabling users to make informed decisions about their health. The latest development in the world of glucose monitoring is the arrival of over-the-counter (OTC) CGMs, designed for anyone interested in tracking their blood sugar, not just those diagnosed with diabetes. These devices can offer a wealth of insights for people looking to optimize their health. But what exactly are OTC CGMs, how do they work, and why should someone without diabetes use them?
The Epidemic of Insulin Resistance and Pre-diabetes
The United States is facing a significant public health challenge with the rising prevalence of insulin resistance and prediabetes. Insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, affects an estimated 60 to 70 million Americans. This condition leads to higher insulin production by the pancreas, eventually causing elevated blood glucose levels and increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Higher insulin levels also contribute to carbohydrate cravings and increased appetite. While genetics plays a role, lifestyle issues are most likely the main contributing factor: Lack of exercise, diets high in processed foods and simple sugars. The introduction of environmental pollutants and 'forever chemicals' has also been implicated.
Prediabetes, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, affects over 98 million American adults, yet more than 80% of them are unaware of their condition. Prediabetes is characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. Without intervention, individuals with prediabetes have a significantly increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Many people with insulin resistance/pre-diabetes have no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms to watch for are:
Fatigue
Increased thirst
Carbohydrate cravings
Increased hunger
Blurry vision
Skin Tags
Darkened of skin in armpits, back or sides of you neck
Insulin resistance can be identified by obtaining a fasting insulin level. This is the initial stage BEFORE the development of prediabetes. Prediabetes is defined as a Hemoglobin A1c(blood test) between 5.7 and 6.4. Values greater than 6.4 are consistent with diabetes.
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