Introduction
Ever wondered what’s really happening with your blood sugar levels throughout the day? I recently embarked on a 14-day journey with a continuous blood sugar monitor, and the results were eye-opening!
Monitoring my blood sugar in real-time gave me valuable insights into how my body reacts to different foods, activities, and even stress levels.
Image Credit: Freestyle Libre 2
Whether you’re curious about your own blood sugar levels or just interested in how your body reacts to daily life, read on for the five surprising insights I gained from this experience.
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?
Before we dive into my discoveries, let’s talk about the tool itself – the Continuous Glucose Monitor, or CGM. This small, wearable device is a game-changer for anyone looking to understand their blood sugar levels better.
The CGM is typically worn on the back of your arm, and it continuously tracks your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.
The best part? It links directly to your smartphone via an app, giving you real-time feedback on how your body responds to carbs, sleep, stress, and exercise.
How It Works:
The CGM measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just beneath your skin. This data is then sent to an app on your smartphone, where you can monitor your blood sugar trends, set alerts for highs or lows, and even see how specific foods and activities affect your levels. It’s like having a window into your body’s inner workings – all in real-time!
I chose to trial the Freestyle Libre 2, a user-friendly and highly informative monitor that provided real-time insights into my blood sugar levels.
Image Credit: Freestyle Libre 2
1. The Importance of a Balanced Breakfast
What I ate for breakfast set the tone for the entire day. On days when I started with a protein-rich, low-carb meal, my blood sugar remained more stable throughout the day. Conversely, when I had a high-carb breakfast, my levels spiked and then crashed, leading to cravings and fatigue later on.
Tip:
Kick off your day with a balanced breakfast that includes protein, healthy fats, and fibre, such as eggs with avocado or a smoothie with greens and nut butter.
2. The Power of Movement
I knew exercise was good for me, but seeing how it directly influenced my blood sugar was fascinating. Even a short walk after meals had a noticeable effect on lowering and stabilising my blood sugar levels. On days when I stayed sedentary, my blood sugar levels tended to stay higher for longer, especially after eating.
Tip:
Incorporating even small amounts of physical activity after meals can significantly improve blood sugar management.
3. Stress and Its Sneaky Effects
One of the most surprising discoveries was how much stress affects blood sugar levels. Even on days when I ate well and exercised, I noticed significant spikes during stressful moments. This highlighted the importance of managing stress, not just for mental health but for overall metabolic health as well.
Tip:
Incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, deep breathing, or a walk in nature to help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
4. The Role of Sleep
I hadn’t fully appreciated the connection between sleep and blood sugar until now. On nights when I didn’t sleep well, my blood sugar was noticeably higher the next day, even with the same diet and exercise routine. This discovery underlined the importance of good sleep hygiene for overall health and blood sugar regulation.
Tip:
Prioritise a good night’s sleep by maintaining a regular bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, and creating a restful environment in your bedroom.
5. Not All Carbs Are Created Equal
Finally, I learned that the type of carbs I consumed made a big difference. Whole unprocessed carbs (complex carbs) like sweet potatoes and bananas had a much gentler effect on my blood sugar compared to refined carbs (simple carbs) like pasta or cakes. This reinforced the importance of choosing nutrient-dense, slow-digesting carbohydrates.
Tip:
Choose whole, unprocessed carbs to maintain more stable blood sugar levels and avoid sharp spikes and crashes.
Image credit: Alchemy Foodtech
Conclusion
Wearing a continuous blood sugar monitor for 14 days was a game-changer for me. It provided real-time feedback on how my daily habits impacted my blood sugar levels, and it empowered me to make better choices for my health. Whether you’re managing a condition like diabetes or just curious about how your body responds to different foods and activities, I highly recommend giving it a try. The insights you gain could be life-changing!
Join the Conversation!
Have you tried continuous blood sugar monitoring? What did you discover? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, stay healthy and mindful of your blood sugar! 🌱💪
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