What I Learned From Wearing A CGM For 2 Weeks

This really surprised me 😳

Continuous Glucose Monitors, or CGMs, have been increasing in popularity over the last several years, not only for diabetics, but for anyone who wants a better understanding of their own blood sugars.

I decided to wear a CGM for 2 weeks because I was curious to see how my body responds to food, stress, sleep, and the various other factors that affect blood sugars.

I wanted to see where my blood sugars were at throughout the day and make sure they were in range, since elevated blood sugars are extremely damaging to our health.

This 2-week experiment provided me with so much great feedback about my blood sugars, and I’ve been able to make necessary adjustments to my lifestyle based on the data.

This post is going to break down what CGMs are and how they work, factors that affect blood sugars, why it’s important to manage your blood sugars, and the #1 thing I learned from wearing a CGM for 2 weeks (that’s been changing the way I live my life!).

What Are CGMs & How Do They Work?

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable device that tracks your glucose levels in real-time, day and night. It provides a dynamic view of how your glucose responds to food, exercise, stress, and sleep, helping you make more informed decisions about your health.

Here’s how CGMs work:

1. Sensor: A tiny, flexible filament (about the width of a hair) is inserted just under the skin, usually on the back of the arm or abdomen. It measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells, not directly in the blood).

2. Transmitter: Attached to the sensor, this device sends glucose readings wirelessly to a receiver, smartphone app, or smartwatch.

3. Real-Time Data: CGMs provide readings every 1–5 minutes, showing trends, spikes, and dips over time. Some models include alarms for highs and lows.

There are various types of CGMs. I wore the Dexcom Stelo CGM, which I inserted into my arm. I then paired it with the Stelo app, where I was able to see my blood glucose readings.

Dexcom’s Stelo CGM is designed specifically for people without diabetes who want to monitor how their lifestyle impacts blood glucose. It’s:

• Non-prescription (over-the-counter)

• Wearable for 15 days at a time

• Pairs with a smartphone app to visualize glucose trends

• Marketed as a wellness and performance tool, not a medical device

It provides insights into how different foods, stress, exercise, and sleep influence glucose levels, and shows your average daily blood glucose level.

Here’s a comparison table of different CGMs, their intended use, sensor life, and whether a prescription is required: