The medical technology world is ever-changing. Recently, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring system.
A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, is a device that basically monitors your blood sugar all the time. It’s used for those who need insulin, so people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. They normally are prescribed, but the system approved by the FDA is one you will be able to find at your local store.
The FDA says the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System is for those 18 years or older. Keep in mind, the organization says it’s intended for people who don’t use insulin or for those without diabetes who want to track their blood sugar levels. It’s a wearable sensor – and you can use it with an app on your phone.
Dr. Nasir Khan, an attending physician at the Erie County Medical Center, says this kind of instantaneous feedback is useful, but cautions against becoming obsessed with checking your levels.
“It’s a kind of a reward, punishment kind of a thing that it did something and and you see the reward by money, but by noticing a controlled sugar level,” Dr. Khan said. “And if you did not, then you can detect that the sugar level went up. So it will be immediate feedback about how your efforts to control your lifestyle made any difference or not.”
The FDA stresses that the newly approved device is not for those with problematic hypoglycemia.