Levels Glucose Monitor (CGM) — After 100 Days
Introduction:
In this blog post, I will share my experience using the Levels Health Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for 100 days and how it has changed my diet and lifestyle. I will also discuss the key features of the device, the process of using the app, and the pros and cons of the CGM.
Reasons for Trying a CGM:
- Stable Energy — To maintain stable energy throughout the day for increased productivity.
- Physical Performance — To ensure optimal glucose levels for peak performance during exercise.
- Longevity — To understand the impact of diet on glucose levels and prevent long-term health challenges.
How the CGM Works:
- Sign up at Levels and choose between the FreeStyle Libre or the Dexcom.
- Both devices send glucose data to the Levels app.
- Input meals, exercise, and sleep into the Levels app.
- Replace the CGM device every 10–14 days.
Key Features:
- Metabolic Health Panel — A blood test that provides valuable insights into various health markers, including fasting insulin.
- Daily Metabolic Report — An email summary of your glucose data and stability scores for each meal.
- The Levels App — The central hub for viewing CGM data, inputting meals, and tracking exercise and sleep.
Using the App:
- Use the Libre app or Dexcom app to capture the raw CGM data, which gets sent to the Levels app.
- Use the Levels app to input meals, track exercise and sleep, and review glucose data.
- View historical data and trends to understand the impact of your diet and lifestyle choices on glucose levels.
Life-Changing Insights:
- Identified unhealthy meals — I canceled a meal service that caused glucose spikes and crashes.
- Discovered unhealthy foods — I reduced consumption of processed foods, such as: sugary drinks and high-sugar fruit yogurts.
- I learned key insights about how sleep, stress, macro composition, exercise, and the time of day effect glucose levels.
Downsides of the Levels Health CGM:
- Effort required to incorporate the CGM into daily life.
- Logging meals, exercise, and sleep can be time-consuming.
- Analyzing data and making lifestyle changes can be challenging.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The Levels Health App costs $199 for the yearly membership, plus $199 per month for the glucose monitors. Although it may not be affordable for everyone, the benefits of optimized nutrition, stable energy levels, and improved health may be worth the investment for some.
Conclusion:
Levels Health has provided valuable insights into my diet and lifestyle, helping me make positive changes for better health. While the CGM requires effort to incorporate into daily life, the benefits of improved metabolic health and stable energy levels may be worth the investment for those seeking to optimize their nutrition and well-being.
Sign Up for Levels Health here (2 Free Months): http://levels.link/shervin*
*this is an affiliate link