Concerns Grow Over Celebrities Using Continuous Glucose Monitors
People managing diabetes have praised figures like Este Haim for openly discussing their experiences and openly wearing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in public. However, there’s a rising issue as celebrities, athletes, and influencers without diabetes are also being seen wearing these devices that provide near real-time blood sugar readings.
A recent Instagram video by Gwyneth Paltrow, posted in May, highlights this trend. In it, she is seen stretching with a CGM on her arm before preparing grain-free almond and coconut pancakes. This drew mixed reactions in the comments—some voiced concerns about her promoting potentially harmful trends, especially since many with diabetes struggle to access these devices.
Additionally, certain influencers are actively marketing CGMs to individuals without diabetes, suggesting these devices can aid in metabolic management, potentially enhancing energy, mood, and sleep quality. Dr. Fiona Willer, president of Dietitians Australia, has raised alarms about the widespread use of these monitors, questioning if some individuals may have become overly engrossed in wellness trends.
Understanding Glucose
Glucose acts as a fuel for our body’s cells—muscle cells, brain cells, you name it. Dr. Willer explains, “It’s like petrol for a car.” Carbohydrates we consume, whether it’s candy or whole grain bread, convert into glucose, entering the bloodstream. The body can also recycle glucose from previously consumed food.
For those with diabetes, monitoring glucose is crucial because their bodies face challenges in producing or utilizing insulin—a hormone responsible for transporting glucose into the cells for energy. In contrast, individuals without regulation issues still see daily fluctuations in blood glucose based on diet, activity, and other factors. Willer notes that while healthy individuals experience these fluctuations, they generally stay within a tighter range compared to those with diabetes.
Functionality of CGMs
Previously, diabetes patients checked their glucose levels through finger pricks. CGMs offer a newer alternative, using sensors to measure glucose from interstitial fluid and sending this data to a smartphone or receiver. These readings help individuals manage their glucose through dietary choices or medications. Clinical endocrinologist Prof. Jenny Gunton emphasizes that CGMs can greatly enhance the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes, as well as those with type 2 diabetes on insulin.
Implications for Non-Diabetics
Gunton, heading the Diabetes, Obesity, and Endocrinology Research Centre, argues that while CGMs might offer insights into blood sugar levels post-consumption and with exercise, they can also induce anxiety. Additionally, the cost can be prohibitive—sensors lasting a mere 14 days can exceed $100 without government subsidies.
Should Non-Diabetics Use CGMs?
A study from the University of the Sunshine Coast found little benefit for healthy athletes wearing CGMs. Another study urged caution against commercial claims promoting CGMs to those without diabetes, suggesting they could be misleading.
Dr. Willer supports individuals wanting to learn about their health but cautions against striving for an unrealistic “magic number” for glucose levels in the absence of insulin resistance or diabetes. This approach could inadvertently lead to unhealthy dietary restrictions. She likens it to calorie counting, emphasizing that it’s reductionist and overlooks important contexts surrounding our eating habits.
For anyone seeking to improve their health, Willer advocates consulting a health professional rather than relying solely on commercial products. Even if they already own a CGM, a dietitian can help interpret the data in relation to their lifestyle.
