SUGAR QUOTED

A deep dive into how metabolism trackers are changing the fitness tech space with continuous glucose monitoring

-  Radhika Agrawal

Tracking bodily data to optimise one's fitness needs is not a new trend. What started with daily step counting has evolved into heart-rate tracking, sleep analysis, and borderline obsessive calorie counting. Metabolism trackers take this one step further by helping you keep a consistent eye on your blood sugar. Unlike a blood glucose meter, which has been used by diabetic patients for decades, these devices don't require you to prick yourself every time you want a reading. Instead, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor is inserted in your skin, which measures your blood glucose levels 24 hours a day, helping you identify foods that cause a spike.

While there are a few brands in this niche space, Ultrahuman proved to be the first to break out in India, raising $17.5 million in funding in 2021. "Out of the available biomarkers, we found glucose really interesting because of its ability to offer real-time feedback on your food. We realised that if we wanted people to change their eating habits, we would have to establish a positive or negative feedback loop," says Mohit Kumar, CEO & Founder, Ultrahuman.

The growing number of people wearing black patches in the gym can be attributed to the genius branding stroke by Ultrahuman for its first product, Ultrahuman M1. The patch with the brand's logo covers a semi-invasive continuous CGM sensor, which stays mounted on your arm for a period of two weeks, after which you need to replace it with a new sensor. It stores up to eight hours worth of data, and you can scan it with your NFC-enabled phone to access real-time readings and insights on the Ultrahuman app.