What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a device that tracks your blood glucose levels continuously throughout the day. Unlike traditional methods that require finger-pricking, a CGM provides real-time data, helping you understand how different factors like food, exercise, and sleep impact your glucose levels.

FDA Approves the Dexcom Stelo for Over-the-Counter Use

In a major shift for the health tech industry, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Dexcom Stelo CGM as the first continuous glucose monitor available without a prescription. Traditionally used by diabetics, this new accessibility allows anyone, including fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, to monitor their metabolic health. The Dexcom Stelo provides 24/7 glucose tracking through an app, offering a convenient and non-invasive way to stay on top of your health.

Why Use a CGM if You Don’t Have Diabetes?

While CGMs have long been associated with diabetes management, their potential for non-diabetic individuals is just beginning to be realized. Here’s how CGMs can benefit those who aren’t dealing with diabetes:

1. Optimize Metabolic Health

CGMs provide a real-time window into how your body reacts to different foods, activities, and even stress. By tracking these fluctuations, you can better understand which lifestyle choices optimize or disrupt your metabolic health.

2. Enhance Athletic Performance

For athletes, CGMs provide actionable insights into how diet and exercise affect glucose levels. This data can be used to improve nutrition timing, reduce fatigue, and enhance performance, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their physical output.

3. Improve Sleep Quality

There’s a direct connection between glucose stability and sleep quality. When blood sugar levels spike or dip unpredictably, it can affect your ability to sleep soundly. By using a CGM, you can identify patterns and make adjustments to your lifestyle to improve your sleep.

4. Support Weight Management

Glucose fluctuations are often tied to cravings and overeating. Monitoring these spikes and dips can help identify triggers, enabling you to make better food choices and manage your weight more effectively.

The Heald App: Your Personalized Health Tracking Companion

The Heald app is a powerful tool that integrates with CGM data to offer a more personalized approach to health management. The app provides continuous glucose insights, allowing users to see how various factors—such as sleep, food, and exercise—affect their blood sugar. It offers real-time feedback, empowering users to make informed decisions about their health.

Key Features of the Heald App:

• Real-Time Blood Sugar Insights: Track glucose levels throughout the day, helping you make smarter decisions about food and exercise.
  
  

• Sleep Insights: Monitor your sleep quality and get personalized tips for improvement.
  
  

• AI-Powered Meal Plans: Receive customized meal plans tailored to your metabolic health needs.
  
  

• Behavioral Coaching: Bi-weekly sessions with certified nutritionists help you build sustainable habits and optimize your diet.

By connecting your CGM data with the Heald app, you can gain a deeper understanding of your body’s response to various lifestyle factors, making it easier to maintain long-term health and wellness goals.

Comparing CGM Options: Dexcom Stelo vs. Other CGMs