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
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...