The number of non-diabetic individuals using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has increased recently. It will also likely grow in popularity as Dexcom Stelo approaches. It will be the first non-prescription over-the-counter (OTC) Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) made available in the United States, which explains why.
Be cautious even though the Stelo CGM seems like a fantastic addition to your medical toolkit. There is no conclusive evidence that CGMs help persons without diabetes, despite their demonstrated benefits for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Minisha Sood, M.D. is an expert on hormones. That person specializes in metabolic illnesses including diabetes and hormones. “Generally speaking, using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) doesn’t add clinical value in people without diabetes who feel well and have no metabolic disease,” Dr. Sood said to GoodRx.
She is not alone among healthcare professionals who find these devices’ increasing availability and popularity concerns. Not one of the four physicians that we spoke with for this piece was in favor of Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) use in non-diabetic patients. Let’s examine why the general public isn’t yet prepared to utilize these recently released over-the-counter devices regularly.
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM): what is it?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a type of wearable biosensor or medical device. It records, shares, and tests the amounts of glucose, or sugar. True levels are somewhat behind the statistics. A CGM, however, offers “real-time” glucose readings day and night.
Finding patterns and alarms for high or low glucose levels in diabetics is its primary goal. For those without diabetes, though, it’s also a useful lifestyle aid.
Most folks don’t require a CGM. Their bodies can sustain energy requirements in between meals and control glucose levels after meals. For some, being able to “see” their blood sugar in real time helps increase awareness of how lifestyle choices and actions affect blood sugar levels. Put differently, the use of a CGM could promote better lifestyle choices such as consistent exercise, a balanced diet, and restful sleep.
How is a CGM operated?
There are three parts to CGMs:
- A transmitter that transmits real-time glucose readings to an authorized device An under-skin glucose sensor
- A receiving device with glucose data storage
- And display
This is how it operates:
- An “auto-applicator” inserts a microscopic sensor into the skin, which then detects the tissue’s glucose level.
- The linked transmitter then exchanges real-time glucose readings with a compatible smartphone.
- Every fifteen minutes, the Stelo sensor from Dexcom sends results.
- Every fifteen days, you must replace the sensor.
- The locations of insertion and the devices with which it exchanges data vary according to the type of CGM. With Dexcom’s Stelo, the device is worn on the arm, and data is transmitted to a smartphone.
What are a CGM’s limitations?
It’s critical to understand the limitations of a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). A CGM cannot provide medical guidance. It gives you information about your blood sugar levels over time. However, you will need to discuss your Dexcom results with a healthcare provider to understand what that data means for you. If necessary, they can suggest the next measures for your health after reviewing your glucose trends to look for any issues.
What distinguishes a glucose meter from a CGM?
A glucose meter (glucometer) and a CGM are not the same thing. CGMs provide long-term glucose patterns. However, a glucometer only takes a reading of your blood glucose at the precise instant you prick your finger. In other words, the information that glucometers can provide is limited. But glucose meters are more precise, particularly in situations where blood sugar levels are fluctuating quickly.
Read Next: How Much Does a Continuous Glucose Monitor Cost and Will Insurance Pay For It?
If you don’t have diabetes, can you still purchase a CGM over the counter?
As of right present, you can only obtain CGMs with a prescription from your healthcare team. Even so, there’s no guarantee your insurance provider will cover the cost of a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) prescription.
Costs and coverage can differ throughout companies. For patients with Type 1 diabetes and those receiving insulin for Type 2 diabetes, most insurance often covers CGMs. To find out more about your CGM coverage, give your insurance company a call.
CGMs will soon be accessible OTC to everyone. To put it another way, no prescription is required. The FDA has approved the Dexcom Stelo for use in individuals who are 18 years of age or older, provided that they are not on insulin or seriously at risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Those on insulin or at risk of hypoglycemia cannot use it. This is because every fifteen minutes, Dexcom’s Stelo CGM updates glucose readings on a smartphone. It doesn’t sound an alarm in case of dangerously high or low blood sugar. The Dexcom G6 and G7 are the recommended devices for these people.
When will it be possible to purchase the Dexcom Stelo over-the-counter (OTC) integrated continuous glucose monitor?
By summer 2024, Dexcom anticipates that Stelo will be available for OTC purchase on drugstore shelves.
Although Dexcom has not disclosed the price of Stelo, the business claims that it will be “competitive.” GoodRx will keep you informed about pricing and potential savings as we find out more.
Can someone without diabetes benefit from a CGM?
The use of CGMs by athletes and other people looking to improve their health is growing in popularity. The idea behind Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) devices is to assist people make healthier decisions by educating them about how lifestyle modifications affect their glucose health.
But is this supported by any evidence? And once CGMs are freely accessible, do medical professionals advise using them?
The answer is unambiguously no, according to fellow endocrinologist Farah Khan, MD: “Those without diabetes do not require the use of a CGM,” the speaker stated.
This is due to the lack of solid proof that wearing a CGM improves your health in any way if you’re already well, according to Sanjai Sinha, MD.
According to Dr. Sinha, “There are no trials that have tested the benefits of CGMs in people who do not have diabetes.” This includes those who are on diabetes medication or who are attempting to lose weight.
So, if you’re not on medication for diabetes, then using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) won’t change your weight, dietary choices, or other elements of your health, he said.
If you don’t have diabetes, there may be certain hazards associated with collecting too much data on your blood sugar levels. “More information is not always a good thing” if you’re in good health and your blood sugar levels are within normal limits, according to Dr. Khan.
Sonal Chaudhry, MD, a third endocrinologist, concurs. She draws attention to the possibility of “information overload and potential anxiety” in healthy CGM users. “Glucose fluctuations can appear significant to a user,” the spokesperson stated. “But so long as glucose levels are within range, it’s expected to have glucose fluctuations after meals.”
“CGMs are also not very accurate when glucose levels are low or low-normal,” Dr. Chaudhry continued. This runs the danger of unnecessarily alarming patients about hypoglycemia or artificially low blood sugar.
To fully understand how Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) data in healthy individuals impacts anxiety levels, eating habits, and other wellness-related factors, a great deal more research is required.
In summary
People without diabetes are starting to use Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) more frequently. The FDA-approved Stelo from Dexcom will make CGMs freely accessible to everyone without a prescription.
Although there isn’t enough data to support the notion, CGMs may assist those without diabetes make healthier lifestyle choices.
