To reduce the irritation in my sinuses, an allergist recommended a two-week course of oral steroids a few weeks ago. I do my homework on new drugs before taking them, first using a generative AI tool and then visiting reputable medical websites to confirm the information.
I quickly discovered that this drug had the potential to sharply raise blood sugar levels. I was worried, so I called another doctor, who suggested that I keep an eye on my blood sugar levels while taking the medicine, even though my A1C levels—a blood test that calculates the average blood sugar level over the previous three months—have always been normal.
He offered other approaches to accomplish that. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which resembles a patch and is usually worn on the upper arm, was the least invasive but most costly option. I wore the Abbott Freestyle Libre that he recommended for two weeks. They are not inexpensive, and only those on insulin are covered by my insurance. You can purchase two 15-day devices for roughly $150 by using a GoodRX coupon. For those who require one full-time, that comes to $1,800 annually.
Although the medication did cause my blood sugar to rise, it was comforting to know that it was well within acceptable bounds.
CGMs usually measure the amount of glucose in the interstitial fluid, which is the fluid immediately beneath your skin, and pair with a smartphone via Bluetooth. According to Cleveland Clinic, this implies that your CGM sensor glucose measurements may be a few minutes slower than your fingerstick (manual) blood glucose readings.
The information captivated me, and I pondered whether CGM monitors are accessible to others who are interested but may not have a medical reason for a prescription.
At least two over-the-counter glucose monitors have been approved. Stelo is from Dexcom, and Lingo is from Abbott.
After I contacted Dexcom, I received a pair of Stelo CGMs to test out during a 30-day period. According to Dexcom’s website, the Stelo is only for adults 18 years of age and older who are not on insulin. It should not be used if you have problematic hypoglycemia, are on insulin, or are receiving dialysis.
Stelo is as painless and simple to install as the Freestyle Libre. To apply Stelo, unscrew the applicator, press it against your arm, and then press a button. Applying a protective cover to make sure it won’t come free is the most difficult aspect. To view a video explanation, search for Stelo tutorials.
Anyone can use an over-the-counter CGM, with the exception of the previously stated individuals, including those who are merely interested in the effects of food, exercise, stress, sleep, and other variables. Two 15-day devices from Stelo cost $99, or you may subscribe for $89 per month. Since it’s not prescription, you might split the two-pack with someone else and receive 15 days of data each, which is sufficient to see how various meals and physical activity impact you.
Stelo only reports every 15 minutes, in contrast to prescription CGMs. I was initially let down, but I quickly came to the conclusion that it was preferable than always searching for improvements while I ate and worked out. It continues to offer helpful data at 5-minute intervals, including as trends, spikes, and your glucose history. Dr. Thomas Grace, head of advocacy and outcomes at Dexcom, stated, “We want the data to be meaningful and to be presented to people in a way that allows them to make changes when necessary.”
You can set your own target range up to 250, although the software comes with a pre-defined range of 70 to 140. It displays your past, but unlike the Freestyle Libre, it does not let you print out comprehensive reports. However, if your doctor is open to seeing the results, you can share your glucose readings with them via an app called Dexcom Clarity.
Even unexpected things can happen, such a paradoxical surge in blood sugar levels following physical activity. According to Grace, when we engage in physical exercise, particularly intense physical activity, our bodies actually produce an adrenaline response. We then release a small amount of sugar into our bloodstream in reaction.
Although Grace reassured me that sporadic increases, particularly after meals, are not always a sign of health issues, she did advise that if they are consistently above 180, it might be wise to consult a doctor.
My entire interview with Dr. Grace is available to listen to at connectsafely.org/cgm.
I tried eating a sweet snack after checking my blood sugar level. It increased by 27 mg/DL half an hour later, but after 20 minutes of mild activity, it returned to its pre-snack level. My experience tracking my blood sugar levels after meals supported a 2013 New York Times article that claimed that even a 15-minute post-meal exercise can aid in digestion and raise blood sugar levels.
Before acting on the data, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider, as is the case with any consumer medical, fitness, and sleep tracking devices. Additionally, it’s critical to avoid letting the gadget add to your stress levels, since this might affect blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep quality, and other metrics. I’m thankful to have doctors who can analyze reports and typically tell me that I’m fine because I tend to overreact to what seem to be abnormalities in them.
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Larry Magid is an internet safety advocate and tech journalist. His email address is [email protected].
