The Other Side of Metabolism Optimization: Risks of Continuous Glucose Monitors for Non-Diabetics

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are vital and effective tools, especially for diabetics and those with pre-diabetes, enabling them to accurately monitor glucose levels in the interstitial fluid under the skin. These devices provide valuable data that can be life-saving, significantly aiding in the management of complex health conditions. However, the use of these devices by non-diabetic individuals with the aim of "metabolism optimization" or "improving metabolic health" can have undesirable consequences, potentially leading to counterproductive and unhealthy outcomes.

Victoria Song's Experience: The Hidden Side of Metabolism Optimization

The author, Victoria Song, documented her personal experience with these devices, revealing how her diligent attempt to optimize metabolism using continuous glucose monitors led her to disordered eating habits and a deep feeling of food anxiety, especially during holiday seasons. Despite adhering to a "healthy" diet and meticulously monitoring her glucose levels, she experienced unexpected weight gain and a return to unhealthy eating patterns that she had worked hard to overcome.

Marketing Fallacies and Risks of Use for Non-Patients

This article raises fundamental questions about the real benefits of using continuous glucose monitors by non-diabetic individuals. It also strongly criticizes the marketing practices of health and fitness influencers who promote dietary supplements and diet regimens claiming to "repair metabolism." The article emphasizes that general calls to use wearable devices, such as continuous glucose monitors, as a means to "take responsibility" for one's health, are misleading. It asserts that these tools are not magic solutions for all metabolic problems, but may cause psychological and physical harm to some individuals, leading to excessive food anxiety and eating patterns.

Return to Self-Awareness: The Author's Final Decision

Ultimately, the author made a personal decision to abstain from using continuous glucose monitors during the holidays, with the aim of regaining the ability to enjoy food without feeling obsessive or overly anxious. This experience underscores that self-awareness and a deep understanding of the relationship between technology and health are key to determining when technological tools begin to control our lives instead of serving us effectively. This insight highlights the paramount importance of critical thinking in how, when, and for whom these health tools are used.