Empowering Informed Food Choices with Continuous Glucose Monitoring
We’re currently facing a significant metabolic health crisis in Australia, where the prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome is alarmingly high.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 67% of Australian adults are either overweight or obese, a statistic that has been on a steady incline for the past forty years.
Globally, approximately 422 million people live with type 2 diabetes, and an additional 7.5% of the world's population is affected by pre-diabetes.
With metabolic syndrome estimated to impact at least 25% of Australians, we are dealing with a widespread health issue that is gradually becoming normalised.
The Normalisation of Metabolic Health Issues
The normalisation of metabolic health issues, such as stress, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, is a societal phenomenon where these conditions, once uncommon, are now widely accepted as typical parts of life. This mindset can be dangerous, as it promotes the belief that such health issues are inevitable, particularly as we age. However, there is no concrete evidence supporting the idea that these conditions are a natural part of aging. Instead, their rise can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle habits influenced by factors such as food processing and increasing stress levels.
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I believe that by recognising and addressing the normalisation of these health issues, we can promote awareness and encourage healthier lifestyle choices. This approach can help reverse the trends of growing metabolic health problems, ultimately leading to a healthier and more resilient society.
Understanding Metabolic Health
Metabolic health refers to the body’s ability to perform its essential functions, such as converting food into energy, repairing cells, and maintaining vital bodily functions. Good metabolic health is indicated by a balanced interplay of factors, including:
Blood sugar levels
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels
Body weight
A well-functioning metabolism adapts to the body’s needs, efficiently utilising glucose, fat, and protein to meet those needs. Rather than striving for a high or fast metabolism, the goal should be to achieve a highly adaptive metabolism that can respond effectively to the body’s requirements.
The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a device that continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid through a small sensor inserted just beneath the skin. This data is then transmitted to a mobile device, providing real-time updates and trends of glucose levels.
While CGMs have traditionally been used for managing diabetes, they can also offer significant benefits to individuals without diabetes. By providing insights into how the body responds to different foods, exercise, sleep, and stress, CGMs can help individuals make more informed nutritional choices to optimise their overall health and potentially prevent the development of pre-diabetes or diabetes.
CGMs and Behaviour Change
Research indicates that CGMs can be powerful tools for promoting behaviour change. A study published in Clinical Diabetes found that 90% of participants felt that using a CGM contributed to better lifestyle choices, with 87% stating that it helped them make healthier food decisions. Additionally, a study of non-diabetic individuals revealed that many participants had abnormal glucose regulation, a condition that might have gone undetected with traditional testing methods.
These findings suggest that our current methods of measuring glucose intolerance and diagnosing type 2 diabetes may be inadequate, potentially leading to missed diagnoses in asymptomatic individuals.
Personalised Healthcare and CGMs
The shift in modern medicine from treating infectious diseases and traumas to addressing lifestyle-related diseases and mental health challenges requires a new approach to patient education. Early identification of glucose dysregulation and insulin resistance is critical for implementing interventions that can reverse metabolic dysfunction and prevent the progression of chronic diseases.
Health literacy, particularly concerning nutrition, plays a vital role in empowering individuals to manage their health effectively. However, conflicting and confusing information often leads to poor health literacy. CGMs have the potential to revolutionise personalised healthcare by providing individuals with real-time data on how different foods impact their health, supporting better-informed decisions and long-term behaviour change.
The Future of CGM Technology
Although CGM technology is still relatively new, the potential for its application in non-diabetic individuals is promising. As healthcare providers, it is essential to offer support and guidance to patients using CGMs to ensure proper data interpretation and effective long-term behaviour modification.
The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes poses a significant burden on healthcare systems. To focus on prevention, intermittent use of CGM systems can provide individuals with a personalised understanding of how their lifestyle choices impact their metabolic health. By improving diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, CGMs offer valuable insights into the intricate relationships between these factors, empowering patients to take control of their health and contribute to addressing the growing metabolic health crisis.
If you would like to trial a CGM to assist with your health goals, book an appointment with me today to discuss.