What is CGM? An Introduction to Continuous Glucose Monitoring
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🟡 It has become one of the tools I use most in my functional medicine practice because CGM can be meaningful not only to people with diabetes, but to anyone who wants to understand their metabolic health.
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🔵 What is CGM and How Does It Work?
A CGM measures glucose in the interstitial fluid using a small sensor placed under the skin. These readings are typically taken every five minutes and sent to mobile apps.
While traditional tests give only one value at a time, CGM gives you a chart : What did you eat? How did you sleep? What happened when you were stressed?
🔵 Who is CGM Suitable For?
- Those with insulin resistance (for early intervention)
- Those who want to lose weight
- Athletes / performance trackers
- Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
- Healthy individuals who want to learn glucose balance
In my own practice, I have repeatedly seen that even “perfectly healthy” individuals using CGM experience high fluctuations , which are corrected by dietary habits.
🔵 What Data Do We Track with CGM?
- Average glucose
- The rate of staying in the target range over time (TIR – Time In Range)
- Highest and lowest glucose values
- Glucose variability (sudden fluctuations)
This data is not just information; it can be a guide for behavioral change .
🔵 Benefits of CGM
✅ Catches hidden insulin resistance early
✅ See which foods make you "jump"
✅ Observing the relationship between glucose balance and mood, energy, sleep
✅ Personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations
🔵 Scientific Support
🔬 A 2020 study showed that individuals using CGM had significantly increased nutritional awareness and a 60% increase in their likelihood of developing healthy habits. (Source)
🟣 Frequently Asked Questions
Does CGM hurt? No. You may feel a slight sting while wearing it, but it's not felt afterward.
Are all CGMs the same? No. There are brands like Libre, Dexcom, and Medtronic. Their usage times and data details vary.
How is it different from finger measurement? Finger measurement provides instantaneous data. CGM, on the other hand, provides continuous graphs . The difference is vast.
🟤 Result
CGM is one of the most powerful monitoring tools modern medicine has to offer. If you want to understand your metabolism, understand energy levels, and monitor your glucose regulation—CGM could be the revolution for you.
⚪️ Author's Note
This article was written by Dr. Ozan Yekta. In the functional medicine approach, CGM is not just data; it is a transformation tool . To stay up-to-date and explore my CGM analysis services, you can check out my Instagram and Contact pages.
