
ALERT: CGMs Can Give Inaccurate Glucose Readings
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
One Move Adds 5 YEARS to Your Life
Believe it or not, the fountain of youth might be closer than you think… A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple activity you’ve been doing since you were a toddler could add YEARS to your life. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime… New research published in the British Journal of Sports...
Walking Trick Reveals Your Fitness Level
We count on doctors to tell us how healthy we are. They take our blood pressure, listen to our hearts, and send us out for blood work to get the answer. But there’s something else you can do anytime you want to know your fitness level: walk a mile. That’s right, this simple activity you...
This Diet Trick Could Protect Your Brain for LIFE
You know the saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, when it comes to your brain, it’s more accurate than you think… New research suggests that a Mediterranean diet—an ancient way of eating that prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense foods—may protect your brain’s white matter. And that’s a big deal because white matter is critical in keeping...
Mailbag: The REAL Reason You Can’t Lose Weight
“Why can’t I lose 10 pounds? I tried many versions of diets. Low Carb, intermittent fasting, etc.” Struggling to Slim Down Dear Struggling, Losing weight, especially when we’re past our 20s, can be frustrating. A muscle mass issue is most likely the culprit behind those struggles to slim down. You see, as we age, we...
Can Eating at the RIGHT Time Protect You from Diabetes?
When it comes to managing your health, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Now, a growing body of research shows that time-restricted eating (TRE), or intermittent fasting, may improve several markers of health… Particularly for people with metabolic syndrome. Before we dive into the benefits of time-restricted eating, let’s...
Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?
Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up). Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today. Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone. Our bodies are...
Sugary Drinks Fuel a Global Health Crisis
I don’t need to tell you that sugary drinks are the opposite of a health food. However, new research reveals just how harmful they really are. In fact, millions are being affected in disturbing ways that might shock you… A disturbing new study published in Nature Medicine has uncovered the devastating toll of sugar-sweetened beverages....
The Cancer-Fighting Superstar in Your Kitchen
Believe it or not, a health hero could be hiding in plain sight in your pantry right now. According to exciting new research, ordinary red onions are far more than just flavor boosters for your favorite soups, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired meals. Scientists uncovered evidence that this humble vegetable is packing some serious cancer-fighting power… The...
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...