Can Glucose Monitoring Help with Weight Loss?
Share
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a technology that lets people track their blood sugar levels throughout the day using a small sensor. One version, called intermittently scanned CGM (or isCGM), shows your blood sugar whenever you scan the sensor with a reader or smartphone. This is often used by people with diabetes, especially those who take insulin.
Why This Study Was Done
The goal of this study was to see if isCGM could help people who are overweight and have either prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) or mild type 2 diabetes lose weight. The researchers wanted to know if simply seeing your glucose levels throughout the day could lead to better eating habits and weight loss.
How the Study Worked
Forty people took part in the study. All of them had a body mass index (BMI) of at least 25, which means they were overweight. Some had prediabetes and others had mild type 2 diabetes, but none were taking diabetes medications.
Participants were split into two groups:
- One group got standard advice on healthy eating and exercise.
- The other group received the same advice but also used an isCGM device for 24 weeks.
The researchers measured weight loss and changes in blood sugar patterns to see if the device made a difference.
What the Study Found
At the end of 24 weeks, both groups lost some weight. The isCGM group lost an average of 1.8 kg, while the control group lost 2.2 kg. This small difference was not statistically significant, meaning it could have happened by chance.
But there was an interesting finding. People using the isCGM had more stable blood sugar levels. Specifically, their blood sugar didn't swing up and down as much as it did in the control group.
Also, people who scanned the device more often showed signs of better eating habits. They tended to eat more protein, which may mean they were cutting back on carbs even without being told to do so.
What This Means for You
This study suggests that using a glucose monitor might help people become more aware of how their food choices affect their blood sugar. That awareness alone could lead to small behavior changes, like eating more balanced meals. However, the device alone didn’t lead to major weight loss in this study.
Still, it’s important to note that no one gave the participants feedback about their glucose readings. They just looked at the numbers themselves. More support or guidance might lead to better results.
Should You Try isCGM for Weight Loss?
If you're overweight and at risk of diabetes, using an isCGM could help you learn how your body responds to different foods. It may motivate you to eat healthier, especially if you notice certain foods spike your blood sugar.
But for now, it’s not a magic solution. The key to weight loss still lies in consistent healthy eating, regular activity, and staying motivated. A CGM device might help you stick to those habits, especially if combined with expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
While this study did not show significant weight loss from using isCGM alone, it offers a glimpse into how technology can support behavior change. Watching your blood sugar in real time may encourage healthier food choices, even without strict dieting.
If future studies add coaching or personalized advice, CGM devices might become a more powerful tool for people looking to lose weight and improve their metabolic health.