How To Use A Continuous Glucose Monitor For Maximum Benefit [cb8d7c]
2025-09-13The Hidden Dangers of Unstable Blood Sugar: Understanding the Risks
Blood sugar fluctuations can have far-reaching consequences on our overall health, and it's essential to understand at what level these fluctuations start causing damage. The ideal blood sugar range for healthy living is between 70-99 mg/dL after an overnight fast, while normal ranges during meals should be no higher than 140 mg/dL.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Blood Sugar Damage
High and low blood sugar levels can lead to a multitude of health issues. For instance, chronically high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause damage to organs like the kidneys, nerves, and eyes over time. On the other hand, frequent episodes of extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can impair cognitive function and increase stress levels.
The Role of Insulin Sensitivity in Regulating Blood Sugar
Insulin sensitivity plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. When our bodies become resistant to insulin, it takes more effort for glucose to enter the cells, leading to high blood sugar spikes after meals. This can happen due to various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices (e.g., sedentary behavior), and diet.
The Connection Between Stress and Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Stress is another critical factor that affects our blood sugar levels. When blood sugar 88 after eating we're under stress, the body releases cortisol, which triggers the release of stored glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in increased blood sugar levels. Chronic stress can further exacerbate insulin resistance, making it even more challenging to regulate blood sugar.
Maintaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range Through Diet and Exercise
Fortunately, there are ways to reverse or manage insulin resistance through diet and exercise. A balanced meal plan that incorporates foods with high fiber content (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables) can help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption into the bloodstream. Regular physical activity also improves insulin sensitivity.
Supplements for Supporting Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Certain supplements like 109 blood sugar before eating chromium, magnesium, and vitamin D have been shown to support healthy blood sugar regulation in some individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen as they may interact with other medications.
The Importance of Tracking Your Blood Sugar Range
Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly is vital for understanding fluctuations and making informed lifestyle changes. Keep track of pre-meal and natural lower blood sugar post-meal readings to identify patterns that indicate the need for adjustments in diet or medication management (if applicable).
In this video, we are discussing how best to use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to maximize its health benefits. - SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL FOR MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS - - JOIN THE NOURISHED BY SCIENCE COMMUNITY: RECEIVE ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO MAKE EVIDENCE-BASED DIETARY CHANGES TO MINIMIZE YOUR RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASE - - VIDEO DESCRIPTION - Continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have become very popular among people suffering from diabetes and those seeking to optimize their health. They are a wonderful and fun piece of ‘health tech’ that provides detailed data on circulating sugar levels, and how they respond to food intake, exercise, sleep, and stress. CGMs therefore have the potential to help people understand a key metric of their health. This video discusses four points to help viewers use their CGMs to their maximum benefit. - TIP JAR: SUPPORT MY EFFORTS TO CREATE THIS FREE CONTENT - - LINK TO BLOG POST ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VIDEO, INCL. REFERENCES - - TIMESTAMPS - 0:00 Intro 0:42 What is a continuous glucose monitor? 2:34 The blood sugar response is only one of many health effects of a food 5:40 A CGM doesn’t measure the effects of a food on glucose tolerance 8:40 Keep it real! 10:18 Do not obsess over every little increase in your blood sugar levels 16:20 Summary and conclusion - LINKS - Nourished by Science Online: Homepage: Twitter: Facebook - SIMILAR VIDEOS - Regulation of Blood Sugar: - DISCLOSURES AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY - In the video, I am showing data that were generated using the Veri app, which collects glucose measurements using an Abbott FreeStyle Libre sensor. Note that I am not affiliated with Veri, Abbott, or any of the other CGM manufacturers, and I have not received any payment from any such company for this post, the associated video, or any other service. For other disclosures: - DISCLAIMER - The content of this video, this YouTube channel in general, and our blog at www.nourishedbyscience.com is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be health or medical advice. Although we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information posted to this Website, we can make no guarantees as to how the information and advice provided herein will affect you and your personal situation. If you need or require individual advice or guidance, then you should consult with a professional who can assist you. For our full disclaimer, please refer to