Personalized glucose nutrition plan: AI + dynamic glucose monitoring (CGM ) KellyOnTech
Out of AI powered projects I reviewed recently, one of which was granted by German government with 30 million euros, which do not need to be repaid, for a projected related to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
In this issue, let’s talk about why AI-enabled CGM is favoured worldwide.
Let’s start with some difficult facts. Over 80% of diseases worldwide are linked to nutrition, affecting 3.4 billion people. Poor metabolism is responsible for 74% of global deaths and results in $3.7 trillion in medical expenses each year. Glucose metabolism, in particular, plays a critical role in a range of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, psoriasis, polycystic ovary syndrome, breast cancer, acne, migraines, and osteoarthritis.
Currently, the cost of developing drugs to treat these conditions is high, and treatments often only manage symptoms rather than provide cures. As a result, a growing number of health-conscious individuals are focusing on proactive health management and disease prevention.
If you search online, you’ll find thousands of healthy recipes. However, people’s blood glucose responses to the same foods can vary widely, making personalized management essential. This is where continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have become invaluable — not only are doctors using them for personal insights and as thoughtful gifts, but many young people and new moms around me are adopting them as well. Some friends even buy them for their pets.
CGMs have also become a go-to tool for marathon runners, as they monitor blood glucose levels in real-time. By detecting drops in blood sugar before the body feels fatigued, they enable runners to replenish energy at the perfect moment.
When real-time CGM data is paired with advanced AI algorithms, it can generate personalized nutrition plans and predict each person’s unique glucose responses. This approach makes it possible to keep blood sugar levels stable through subtle lifestyle changes, supporting overall health. This blend of medicine, technology, and AI represents a breakthrough in proactive health management and has drawn significant interest from investors.
The answers below are based on expert insights:
1. How to Choose a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
In the CGM industry, accuracy is measured by a parameter called Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD). MARD represents the average difference between the CGM’s readings and a reference value — the lower the MARD, the more accurate the device. Accuracy is crucial for effective blood glucose management, so a low MARD is an important factor when selecting a CGM.
Currently, the most accurate CGM system available is the Dexcom G7, with a MARD of 8.2% for adults and 8.1% for children. This is offered as a reference point.
2. How to Use a CGM for Active Health Management
First, glucose is the body’s main energy source, and our bodies naturally regulate blood glucose levels, which can fluctuate up or down. Many people focus on managing blood sugar spikes but often overlook the importance of preventing low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Most CGMs come with hypoglycemia alerts to help with this.
Second, managing blood glucose should be comprehensive. In addition to tracking fasting and two-hour post-meal glucose levels, it’s essential to focus on a metric called “Time in Range” (TIR). TIR represents the percentage of time your blood glucose stays within a target range over a 24-hour period, showing how stable your levels are.
A CGM can also help create personalized diet and exercise plans by providing insights into blood glucose trends and identifying peaks, allowing you to make daily adjustments for better control.
Lastly, emotional fluctuations can significantly impact blood sugar. Many of the latest CGMs now also track the effects of practices like meditation and relaxation on blood glucose, giving a more holistic view of health.
3. What Are FDA-Approved Smart Watches and Smart Rings?
If you search online for non-invasive glucose monitoring smartwatches or blood sugar rings, you’ll come across many products claiming to be FDA-approved. Be cautious — these claims are often misleading.
As of now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to consumers that no smartwatch or wearable ring device claiming to monitor blood sugar levels is FDA-approved.
However, in March 2024, the FDA did approve Dexcom’s latest product, the G8, a blood glucose testing device that meets the agency’s rigorous standards.
4. How Is Apple’s Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Testing Technology Progressing?
Apple began researching non-invasive blood glucose testing technology in 2010, and the technology is currently in the “proof of concept” stage. The company plans to integrate this technology into the Apple Watch.
Apple has developed a biosensor chip based on silicon photonics, which uses a laser to shine on the skin and measures the optical absorption spectrum that is reflected back. By analyzing this spectrum, the device can determine glucose concentration in the body. This method is a significant departure from traditional blood glucose monitoring techniques and offers new possibilities for non-invasive glucose testing.
In the meantime, Dexcom’s G7 CGM is compatible with the Apple Watch, making it the first continuous glucose monitor to enable this feature. Users can view their blood glucose levels in real-time simply by glancing at the watch, without needing to take out their smartphone. This feature is currently available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, with plans for expansion into other markets. However, to view more detailed data, users still need to check their smartphone.
5. Are There Any Blood Sugar Testing Smartwatches in China?
Yes, there are. In 2023, the Huawei WATCH 4 series made its debut in the blood sugar health space, utilizing Huawei’s TruSeen 5.0+ testing technology.
The company also launched a high blood sugar risk study in collaboration with Nanjing Gulou Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and the China Medical Health International Exchange Promotion Association. This made the Huawei WATCH 4 the first smartwatch in the industry to support high blood sugar risk assessment research.