Experts Rebut Glucose-Tracking Hype as Non-Diabetics Stay in Healthy Range 96% of Time
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Oct 6
Experts Rebut Glucose-Tracking Hype as Non-Diabetics Stay in Healthy Range 96% of Time
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Oct 6
Summary
Healthy people’s blood sugar typically peaks about 1 hour after eating and returns to baseline within 2 hours, experts said, arguing that brief post-meal spikes are a normal physiological response rather than a health threat.
Glucose also can rise during intense exercise as hormones prompt the liver to release extra fuel, while concern is warranted when levels stay elevated longer than expected—a possible sign of insulin resistance or diabetes.
Continuous glucose monitors are spreading beyond diabetes care, but experts said evidence is weak for healthy users; one study found non-diabetic participants remained in the healthy range 96% of the time.
Researchers warned CGMs can overestimate glucose and trigger unnecessary food restriction, while cutting carbohydrates entirely may backfire and cause larger spikes when carbs are reintroduced.
Instead of chasing every spike, experts advised balanced meals with protein, fibre-rich plants and healthy fats, reducing added sugar overall and keeping carbohydrates as part of a healthy diet.