One US doctor has reported that CGM usage can help patients through a “carrot and stick” approach to dieting. Eating foods known to cause weight gain (eg, sugary foods, refined starches, and processed foods) can cause sugar spikes that can be identified by a CGM, while large portion sizes are also more likely to result in sugar spikes, and pairing proteins with carbohydrates minimizes blood glucose excursions.
The constant feedback provided by a CGM device can therefore hold patients accountable for their food choices and help with behavioural change. Also, because blood glucose is influenced by myriad factors including stress, genetics and metabolism, CGM can also potentially help create personal guidance for food choices.
In addition, CGM can reveal the effect of poor sleep and stress on blood glucose levels, thereby encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. The data collected also may provide information on how different types of physical activity affect blood glucose levels.
However, while CGM appears to be a sophisticated form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), there are concerns that the incessant stream of information can lead to worsening anxiety, obsessive compulsive behaviours, or restrictive eating tendencies.
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