Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Elite cyclist Tracey Jacobs noticed something was off when her usual training rides began to feel exhausting. At 57, with national championship titles and over two decades of experience, she found herself overwhelmed with fatigue during what should have been simple intervals. “It was frustrating,” Jacobs shared with Business Insider.
The Impact of Carb-Loading
Jacobs’ pre-workout habit of carb-loading with sugary foods was backfiring. She realized that consuming too much sugar too quickly left her feeling overloaded and fatigued. “I was flooding my body with all this food and carbs within an hour, with no time to digest and hydrate,” she explained.
Continuous Glucose Monitors: A Game Changer
Jacobs began using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a device that tracks blood sugar levels in real-time. Originally approved by the FDA in 1999 for diabetes management, CGMs are now available over-the-counter, allowing anyone to monitor their blood sugar. The market for CGMs is projected to grow significantly, from $6.8 billion in 2023 to $20.2 billion by 2032, according to Global Market Insights.
Personalized Health Insights
With the help of a sports dietitian, Jacobs learned to incorporate more complex carbohydrates into her diet, which improved her energy levels during rides. “After three hours of riding, I had a ton of energy, power in my muscles, and I didn’t feel spikes of being up and crashing,” she noted.
Why is Blood Sugar Important?
Your blood sugar level indicates how much glucose is in your blood, which is essential for energy. Balancing blood sugar is crucial for everyone, not just those with diabetes, as it affects overall health and wellness.
Can Monitoring Blood Sugar Prevent Diseases?
Monitoring blood sugar levels can help individuals identify patterns that may lead to chronic health issues. Gayle Pagano, a 56-year-old from Florida, started using a CGM after struggling with weight gain and joint pain. By tracking her blood sugar, she discovered that certain foods, even seemingly healthy ones, affected her negatively.
Should You Use a CGM?
Experts predict that CGMs will become a standard health metric alongside step counts and heart rates. However, concerns exist regarding accessibility for those who need these devices the most. While CGMs provide valuable insights, it’s essential to approach their use with caution to avoid unhealthy eating behaviors.
Conclusion
Continuous glucose monitors offer a new way to understand and optimize health. As more people become aware of their blood sugar levels, the potential for improved health outcomes increases. However, it’s crucial to balance this knowledge with a healthy relationship with food.
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