Assessment
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
The Sugar Experiment is performed by using a continuous glucose monitor to examine your glucose patterns throughout the day and looking for specific foods that can trigger spikes in glucose. The assessment, therefore, is performed by wearing your glucose monitor for 2 weeks and keeping careful notes about your spikes, patterns and trigger foods.
Getting Started with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
CGM is an excellent way to observe patterns in glucose control and examine real-time the impact of a particular food. For years, the standard way to check blood glucose was using a fingerstick test, where a drop of blood is placed on a test strip and inserted into a glucose meter. ✅ While highly accurate, this method is impractical for our experiment. ✅ Instead, the CGM provides real-time glucose tracking without requiring multiple finger pricks. ✅ Once applied, the CGM syncs with a mobile app, allowing you to monitor glucose trends all day long. 📌 Important Note: If you have diabetes and take medication, consult your doctor about whether CGM or traditional fingerstick testing is best for you.
Obtaining a CGM Device
There are 2 ways to get a continuous glucose monitoring device. The first is via a prescription from your physician. The "Freestyle Libre" monitor that we favor in our program is one such device. The other way to get a continuous glucose monitor is purchase one online via companies like Lingo
Setting Up Your CGM Device
The Freestyle Libre 3 comes in a small yellow box containing the monitor and applicator. How to Apply the CGM: 1️⃣ Open the box and remove the spring-loaded applicator. 2️⃣ Remove the cap and position the applicator on the back of your upper arm (triceps area). 3️⃣ Press down firmly until you hear a loud click—this means the device has deployed. 4️⃣ The CGM sensor will be inserted painlessly under the skin, where it will measure glucose levels continuously.
Downloading the Mobile App and Syncing Your CGM
Most CGM systems sync with a mobile application, eliminating the need for additional devices. How to Set Up the CGM App: 1️⃣ Open the App Store or Google Play and search for Freestyle Libre 3 (or the version that matches your device). 2️⃣ Download and install the correct app. 3️⃣ Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. 4️⃣ Hold your phone close to the CGM to establish a connection. 5️⃣ Once activated, the device needs 60 minutes before it starts recording glucose data. 📌 Freestyle Libre 3 vs. Freestyle Libre 2: •Freestyle Libre 3 automatically syncs data without scanning. •Freestyle Libre 2 requires you to manually scan the sensor to read glucose levels. •Make sure to download the correct app based on your device version!
