The Celebrity Trend: CGMs Taking Center Stage

In recent months, public figures like Este Haim have proudly showcased their continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), bringing attention to living with diabetes. However, a troubling trend has emerged: celebrities, elite athletes, and influencers who don’t have diabetes are adopting these devices for themselves.

Take Gwyneth Paltrow, for instance—she recently Instagrammed a video of herself sporting a CGM while preparing a health-conscious recipe. This led to a flurry of comments questioning the safety and appropriateness of such displays, especially since many diabetics struggle to access these vital tools.

The Wellness Rabbit Hole

Some influencers are touting CGMs as a way to monitor metabolism and optimize energy and mood. Yet, Dr. Fiona Willer, president of Dietitians Australia, expresses concern that more people may be getting lost in the wellness industry, blurring the lines between healthy awareness and unnecessary obsession.

Understanding Glucose: Fuel for Life

What exactly is glucose? According to Willer, it’s the sugar that powers our cells, akin to petrol for cars. Our bodies convert all carbohydrates—whether from candy or whole grain—into glucose. For those with diabetes, monitoring glucose levels is crucial because of their difficulty in using insulin effectively.

For those without diabetes, blood sugar levels still fluctuate daily due to various factors, but these variations typically remain within a healthier range.

The Magic of Continuous Glucose Monitors?

Traditionally, diabetics relied on painful finger pricks to check their glucose levels. Now, CGMs offer a more comfortable solution, providing real-time data through sensors that measure glucose levels from interstitial fluid. While they significantly enhance life quality for many diabetics, not everyone may benefit.

Prof. Jenny Gunton, an endocrinologist, points out that while CGMs can be insightful for understanding blood sugar responses to food and exercise for non-diabetics, they can also lead to increased anxiety and stress.

The Cost of Trendiness

These devices don’t come cheap—without government subsidies, a 14-day CGM sensor can exceed $100. A 2022 study showed minimal benefit from CGMs for healthy athletes, while a 2024 research review warned that many commercial claims about their utility for non-diabetics may be misleading.

Chasing Imaginary Numbers

Willer emphasizes that the notion of a 'magic number' for glucose levels is entirely fictitious. Resorting to drastic diet changes based on CGM readings could negatively affect individuals' relationship with food.

"Consider it like calorie counting—a simplistic approach that overlooks the rich context of our food experiences and behaviors," she says.

Seek Expert Guidance First!

Interested in understanding your body better? Willer advises consulting a health professional instead of impulsively purchasing CGMs online. Even with access to the technology, guidance from a dietitian can help individuals interpret their results in a meaningful way.