Episode 40 - Should you wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor? How much does it costs and is it worth it?
Aug 13, 2019
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Discussion on the experiences of the hosts with wearing CGMs and the importance of knowing their prices. Comparison of the costs of Dexcom and Libre CGMs, with Dexcom costing close to $1000 for a three-month supply. Insight into wearing different types of CGMs and the challenges faced. Personal experiences with glucose response to meals and exercise, highlighting blood sugar spikes. Exploration of blood sugar levels throughout the day and its impact on insulin resistance.
Wearing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide valuable insights into how your body responds to different foods, exercise, and fasting, helping optimize diet and understand insulin resistance.
The cost of continuous glucose monitors can vary significantly depending on the brand and type, with the Dexcom CGM being more expensive compared to the cheaper and similarly accurate Libre CGM.
Deep dives
Benefits of Wearing Continuous Glucose Monitors
Wearing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide valuable insights into how your body responds to different foods, exercise, and fasting. CGMs track your blood sugar levels throughout the day, giving you a clear picture of your glucose variability. This information can be used to optimize your diet, understand your insulin resistance, and make informed decisions about when to eat certain foods. CGMs can also help you identify the impact of exercise on your blood sugar levels and determine the best timing for meals, especially for athletes. Despite variations in cost and accuracy between different CGM brands, short-term use of these devices can provide actionable data that can lead to improved health and better glucose management.
Cost and Types of Continuous Glucose Monitors
The cost of continuous glucose monitors can vary significantly depending on the brand and type. The Dexcom CGM, for a three-month supply, costs approximately $980 if purchased from a discount store like Costco. On the other hand, the Libre CGM is a relatively cheaper option, with a three-month supply costing around $360. However, it is important to note that these prices do not include the glucose viewer or the transmitter for Dexcom. Insurance coverage for CGMs depends on having a specific medical indication, and self-diagnosis or misuse of insurance can lead to future complications. Considering the cost differences, many individuals find the Libre CGM to be preferable due to its affordability and similar accuracy to Dexcom.
Insights from CGM Data and Timing of Meals
Wearing a continuous glucose monitor can reveal valuable insights about the effects of different meals on blood sugar. Timing of meals, particularly in the morning, can significantly impact glucose variability throughout the day. Higher carb meals consumed later in the day tend to cause large spikes in blood sugar levels, while consuming more carbohydrates earlier in the day can lead to less glycemic variability. Experimenting with different food combinations, such as adding eggs or other low-carb options to the first meal of the day, can help reduce blood sugar spikes. Exercise before consuming a meal can also moderate blood sugar spikes. Additionally, CGM data shows that sleep deprivation can increase blood sugar levels, highlighting the importance of getting adequate rest for glucose regulation. Overall, CGMs provide real-time feedback on glucose responses and can help individuals make more informed choices about meal timing and composition.
We've been wearing CGM devices for some time now. So, we want to share our experience with you. Dr. Dawson, Mallin, and Stone talk about their collective experiences, whether it's worth it, and how to get one if you decide you want to try it out.
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