ALERT: CGMs Can Give Inaccurate Glucose Readings
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted April 7, 2024
Keeping your blood sugar in check is critical for a longer, healthier life.
It used to be if you wanted to watch your blood sugar for hours at a time, you’d have to go to a lab and be hooked up to an expensive, complicated machine.
But now, anyone can get a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) at an affordable price.
CGMs are a boon for people with blood sugar problems. They allow them to monitor their glucose closely.
But if you’re using a CGM, there’s a fly in the ointment you NEED to know about.
As valuable as CGMs are having access to that continuous stream of data and watching your numbers fluctuate, can trigger some anxiety. Especially when you’re working hard to manage your levels, but your numbers STILL aren’t cooperating.
But here’s the thing, although few doctors warn folks, various things can cause your CGM to give you inaccurate readings.
Following are the seven most common culprits…
- Pain Killers: Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, could cause falsely high glucose readings on your CGM. If accurate readings are a priority for you, consider alternative pain relief methods, such as gentle stretches, CBD, fish oil, or turmeric.
- Vitamin C: The antioxidant vitamin C is essential for healing and fighting free radicals. However, high levels from supplements can lead to false high glucose readings on your CGM. To avoid this, get your daily dose of C from whole foods like Brussels sprouts, kale, zucchini, and lemons, or choose a supplement that contains a gram or less.
- Aspirin: If you take aspirin regularly, be aware the active ingredient, salicylic acid, can trigger slightly lower glucose readings. Skincare products containing salicylic acid may also have an effect, although more research is needed.
- Sensor Compression: Sometimes, false lows can occur due to pressure on the sensor, known as a compression low. This can happen if you sleep on the arm wearing the CGM or lean against something for a long time (like a sofa arm while watching a movie). To minimize this, try placing the sensor on an arm you don’t typically sleep on, and be mindful of any pressure on the sensor area.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can also impact CGM accuracy. Most devices work best between 50- and 113-degrees Fahrenheit. So be cautious when enjoying a cold plunge or sauna session. Humidity and sweat can also interfere with the sensor’s performance.
- Medications: Prescription medications, such as hydroxyurea, lisinopril, atenolol, and albuterol, may affect CGM readings. If you have concerns about your meds impacting your glucose readings, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Also, keep in mind that readings may be less accurate during the first 48 hours of wearing a new CGM sensor as the device calibrates. Also, be sure to change your sensor according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain optimal performance.
Now that you’re aware of these potential influences on your CGM readings, you can make the MOST out of this invaluable tool.
Remember to always have a backup method for measuring your blood sugar. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your CGM or blood sugar readings.
P.S. Check out this potent NATURAL trio that reigns in rising blood sugar.
Source:
Heinemann, L. (2022). Interferences With CGM Systems: Practical Relevance? Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 16(2), 271-274. doi. org /10.1177 /19322968211065065
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...