The Benefits of Using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) were once tools reserved mainly for diabetics. But now, they’re available to more people, and they’ve become incredible tools for prediabetics or those on the borderline of prediabetes.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor offers a smarter, easier way to track your blood sugar in real time, eliminating the guesswork about which foods, activities, or habits might be affecting your levels.
No More Guessing
One of the best things about a Continuous Glucose Monitor is that it removes the guilt and uncertainty around how your diet or lifestyle impacts your blood sugar. For many of us, especially women, questions about weight, blood sugar control, and health can spiral into self-blame. CGMs stop that cycle by providing real-time data specific to *your* body.
For example, we often pair CGM monitoring with bloodwork to uncover early signs of blood sugar irregularities, like insulin resistance. The insights can be life-changing—not just for understanding your diet but for seeing how factors like stress and sleep affect your glucose levels.
What Patients (and I) Have Learned
CGMs reveal just how individual our blood sugar responses are. One person might eat a banana with no spike, while another’s blood sugar skyrockets. The same goes for grains—some people handle wheat well but not rice, and others have the exact opposite reaction.
Stress and sleep also have a huge impact.
You’d be surprised how a poor night’s sleep or a stressful day can cause noticeable spikes. And here’s something else: when blood sugar runs high, it often swings low later, leaving you feeling tired or out of sorts. These insights allow for more personalized recommendations, which help patients feel more in control of their health.
The Benefits of a Continuous Glucose Monitor
The continuous data a Continuous Glucose Monitor provides allows you to make proactive changes to keep blood sugar levels stable. This supports your hormones and adrenal health, which in turn can improve your energy, focus, and mood. Plus, managing your blood sugar better now reduces the risk of long-term complications like diabetes or heart issues.
How Blood Sugar Ties to Hormones
Blood sugar plays a big role in hormone health, especially with conditions like PCOS or during menopause. For women, menopause lowers estrogen, which removes its anti-inflammatory benefits. This increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor can help you spot patterns and manage your blood sugar more effectively, so you can maintain stable energy levels and feel your best.
Are There Any Downsides?
The main downside is cost. Some CGMs are available over the counter, but often I’ll send my patients a prescription to their pharmacy and they pay for it out of pocket. Unfortunately, CGMs aren’t usually covered by insurance unless you’re fully diabetic.
Occasionally, the sensors can get bumped off early, but with some cautionary steps, they usually last the full 10-14 days.
Ready to Learn More?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor is an incredible tool for gaining a deeper understanding of your blood sugar, your body, and your overall health. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s the right option for you—you might be surprised by the insights it can provide!
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Dr. Casey Berkebile ND, LAc
Naturopathic Doctor San Jose
408-356-1364
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