5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BLOOD SUGAR MONITORS

Blood sugar affects energy levels, mental clarity and weight. And a new generation of devices allows you to keep closer tabs on it than ever before. But is that a good thing? Here's what the experts think

- BY MIREL ZAMAN

The LATEST TREND in health and fitness tracking may sound familiar: wearing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Many people with diabetes use these devices, which measure blood-sugar levels in real time, to manage their condition. But recently, CGMs designed for those without diabetes, including the Abbott Lingo and the Dexcom Stelo, have hit the market.

The companies behind these devices claim that keeping tabs on blood sugar can help you maintain steadier energy levels, improve mental clarity and assist with weight management. And while the devices can deliver benefits, experts say they also have limitations that are worth considering before you try them out.

So how do CGMs work, exactly? They come with an applicator, which uses a small needle to insert a sensor under the skin, typically on the back of your arm.

For those with diabetes, CGMs are game-changing, says Disha Narang, M.D., an endocrinologist and Director of Obesity Medicine at Endeavor Health. They alert users to potentially dangerous spikes or dips in blood sugar and help tailor their treatment.

But what benefits can people without diabetes expect? "Knowledge is power," Dr. Narang says. "Understanding how certain foods affect blood sugar can be helpful." For instance, foods high in starchy carbs or sugars cause more dramatic spikes than complex carbs or high-protein foods.

What experts want you to know before you try one