In recent years, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, traditionally used by individuals with diabetes, have gained popularity among those without the condition. This trend raises important questions: Why are individuals without diabetes using these devices, and should healthcare stakeholders consider investing in this technology?
Lauren White, Registered Dietician and Senior Clinical Content Writer at Welldoc, recently explored these important questions, highlighting the growing interest in CGMs for metabolic health and weight management.
Why are we seeing this trend of people without diabetes monitoring their health with CGMs?
Lauren White: People are becoming increasingly curious about their metabolic health and CGMs provide insight into how their bodies function. With a CGM, you can see how your glucose levels respond to factors like food, activity, sleep, and stress in real-time. This understanding lets people see how their lifestyles impact their blood sugar. It helps identify habits that might need changing and reinforces those that support a healthy blood sugar. Some people without diabetes may use their CGM to help reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat. Others may use it to track calories and food intake as they try to lose weight.
“As the rates of chronic conditions continue to rise, many people are looking for ways to live healthier lifestyles and prevent diseases like diabetes and prediabetes. Using a CGM is one proactive approach to help foster healthy habits. “
What is the data telling us about continuous glucose monitoring profiles in participants without diabetes?
Lauren White: Research on the benefits of using CGM in people without diabetes is still in its early stages. We are beginning to collect consistent data that helps us see what normal glucose ranges look like for people without diabetes.
What future research needs to be done for non-diabetes CGM users?
Lauren White: I think there’s a great opportunity to research how wearing a CGM can benefit non-diabetes users. I know many are eager to see the data on how CGM use might impact a person’s weight, energy levels, mood, and physical activity performance. There are many anecdotal reports about these benefits from people using CGMs, but we really need more research to make evidence-based claims of what CGMs can really offer to non-diabetes users.
CGM use has the potential as a diagnostic or screening tool for prediabetes and diabetes. Research could also help determine the optimal frequency of CGM use in populations without diabetes, who may not need continuous monitoring.
How will this research inform how Welldoc supports users who wear a CGM?
Lauren White : At Welldoc, our goal is to support users in all aspects of their health monitoring. We are adding the ability for non-diabetes users to connect a CGM to the Welldoc App to have a more comprehensive health experience. We will continue to keep an eye on the research to help guide the educational and coaching support we offer CGM users without diabetes.
For health plans and employers, investing in CGM technology aligns with the increasing focus on preventive health. Integrating CGM into wellness programs enables organizations to promote healthier lifestyles among their members and employees. However, understanding CGM results can be challenging for some users, which highlights the importance of pairing a CGM device with a digital health platform. A platform like Welldoc can help by clearly presenting individual health trends and alerting the care team when intervention is needed.
Learn more about the Welldoc platform for managing cardiometabolic conditions, comorbidities, and diverse health needs.
