A review of studies by researchers at University College London (UCL) and Birmingham Children’s Hospital in the United Kingdom warns of the fact that devices known as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which analyze changes in real-world blood sugar levels, which can be easily found online may contribute to the development of anxiety or eating disorders.
These measurements are made using sensors on the arm or abdomen that assess interstitial tissue and are transmitted to a smartphone app, which detects large fluctuations in glucose levels, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, sending alarms so that the situation can be resolved.
However, the researchers note that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of these devices in people without diabetes. Adrian Brown, one of the study’s authors, says there is “strong evidence” that these devices are “transforming the lives of people with type 1 diabetes” and have a “good effect on people with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy.” However, for those without diabetes, the data is inconsistent and the evidence is “limited,” Brown says.
The specialist explains that it is normal for people without diabetes to have their blood sugar levels rise for a while after eating, but these levels usually return to normal within one to two hours.
“For a person not living with diabetes, normal blood sugar levels range from 3.8 to 7.8,” Brown tells the magazine. Daily mail. “However, the monitor may show readings between 2.6 and 9.4, thereby indicating potentially low or high blood sugar levels, despite the person having normal blood sugar levels.” According to Brown, this “may lead people to see results that are actually normal blood glucose levels and change their diet accordingly,” he adds.