A number of weeks in the past, an allergist prescribed a two-week course of an oral steroid to clear up my sinus irritation. Earlier than I take any new drugs, I analysis them, first by way of a generative AI device after which go to well-respected medical websites to confirm the data.
I quickly realized that this remedy may considerably improve blood sugar. Although I’ve at all times had regular A1C ranges (a blood take a look at that measures common blood sugar stage over the previous three months) I used to be involved, so I contacted one other physician who really helpful that I monitor my blood glucose whereas on the remedy.
He steered a number of methods to try this. The least invasive, however costliest, was to make use of a steady glucose monitor (CGM) that is sort of a patch, usually worn on the higher arm. He prescribed a Freestyle Libre from Abbott, which I wore for 2 weeks. They’re not low cost, and my insurance coverage solely covers them for folks on insulin. Utilizing a GoodRX coupon, you will get two 15-day gadgets for about $150. That’s $1,800 a 12 months for many who want one full time.
The drug did increase my blood sugar, but it surely was reassuring to know that it was nicely inside protected limits.
CGMs usually connect with a smartphone through Bluetooth and measure glucose ranges within the interstitial fluid just below your pores and skin. “This means there may be a few minutes delay in your CGM sensor glucose readings compared with fingerstick (manual) blood glucose readings,” in keeping with Cleveland Clinic.
Over-the-counter screens
I used to be fascinated by the data and questioned whether or not CGM screens can be found for people who find themselves curious however don’t essentially have a medical justification for a physician’s prescription.
There are at the least two authorized over-the-counter glucose screens. Lingo is from Abbott, and Stelo comes from Dexcom.
I reached out to Dexcom, which despatched me a two-pack of Stelo CGMs to strive over a 30-day interval. Dexcom’s web site says that the Stelo is “For people NOT on insulin, ages 18 years and older” and that it shouldn’t be used “if on insulin, on dialysis, or if you have problematic hypoglycemia.”
Just like the Freestyle Libre, Stelo is straightforward to put in and fully painless. Stelo is available in an applicator that you simply unscrew and press in opposition to your arm and press a button to use. The toughest half is making use of a protecting cowl over it to make sure it gained’t come unfastened. Search “Stelo instructions” for a video rationalization.
Aside from the forementioned exceptions, anybody can use an over-the-counter CGM, together with those that are simply curious concerning the affect of meals, train, stress, sleep and different elements. Stelo prices $99 for 2 15-day gadgets, or you may subscribe for $89 a month. As a result of it’s non-prescription, you would share the two-pack with one other individual and every get 15 days of information, which is sufficient to get a way of how completely different meals and bodily exercise have an effect on you.
Experiences each quarter-hour
Not like prescription CGMs, Stelo solely experiences each 15-minutes. I used to be disillusioned at first however quickly realized that it was higher than obsessively on the lookout for adjustments as I ate and exercised. It nonetheless gives helpful data, together with traits, spikes and your glucose historical past in 5-minute intervals. “We want the data to be delivered to people in a way that they make changes when they need to and that the data is meaningful,” stated Dr. Thomas Grace, Dexcom’s head of advocacy and outcomes
The app has a pre-set goal vary of 70 to 140, however you may set your personal goal. It reveals your historical past however doesn’t let you print out detailed experiences just like the Freestyle Libre. Nonetheless, you would ship screenshots to your physician in case you need assistance deciphering the outcomes.
Paradoxes and spikes
There may even be some surprises, akin to a paradoxical improve in glucose throughout train. In line with Grace, “when we’re physically active, especially when we have high intensity physical activity, that actually is adrenaline that drives an adrenaline response by our body. And in response to that, we dump a little sugar into our bloodstream.”
Grace assured me that occasional spikes, particularly after consuming, should not essentially a sign of well being issues however stated “If they’re persistently running higher than 180, that would be a good indicator to reach out,” to a medical supplier.
You possibly can take heed to my full interview with Dr. Grace at connectsafely.org/cgm.
Sugary snack raised my blood sugar
I experimented by my blood sugar stage after which consuming a sugary snack. A half hour later, it was up by 27 mg/DL, however after 20 minutes of sunshine train, it was again all the way down to the place it was earlier than the snack. My expertise monitoring my glucose after meals, gave credence to a 2013 New York Occasions article that stated, “a post-meal walk, as short as 15 minutes, can in fact help with digestion and improve blood sugar levels.”
As with all shopper medical, health and sleep monitoring gadgets, it’s necessary to seek the advice of a well being care skilled earlier than taking any motion primarily based on the information. It’s additionally necessary to not enable the machine to contribute to your stress stage, which may affect blood sugar, blood strain, sleep high quality and different metrics. I generally tend to overreact to what look like abnormalities in experiences, which is why I’m grateful to know medical doctors who can interpret them and normally reassure me that I’m OK.
Larry Magid is a tech journalist and web security activist. Contact him at larry@larrymagid.com.
