Many people who suffer from diabetes mellitus have to measure their blood sugar again and again. In recent months, measuring glucose levels in healthy people has become increasingly popular. This blood sugar tracking is intended to help you lose weight and get fitter. But what is behind this trend?
Normally only people with diabetes need to measure their blood sugar regularly. But on social media it is repeatedly pointed out that blood sugar tracking is supposed to help, among other things, against fatigue, for better concentration or to lose weight. The Bavarian Consumer Service in the KDFB eV (VSB) explains in a statement why this tracking can also have negative consequences.
Important part of daily treatment
Many people with diabetes mellitus measure their blood sugar independently, according to the “www.gesundheitsinformation.de” portal of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).
For those who inject insulin several times a day, checking sugar levels with a blood glucose meter is an important part of their daily treatment.
However, according to the VSB, this tracking is not beneficial for non-diabetics.
Increased risk of metabolic diseases
In healthy people, the glucose concentration in the blood increases when they consume carbohydrates through food. The body then releases insulin to lower blood sugar levels again.
Foods rich in carbohydrates, such as white bread or rice, cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and sharply. If this drops again quickly, the body demands new energy and cravings arise.
In the long term, this increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure. The reaction to individual foods is very individual.
Problematic advertising promises
In order to keep track of your own blood sugar curve, more and more companies are offering so-called “continuous glucose monitors”: small sensors that consumers wear permanently on their upper arm and that use a metal thread to measure the blood sugar level in the tissue.
The sensor is attached under a plaster and needs to be changed approximately every ten to 14 days. The implantation can easily be carried out independently at home. The blood sugar values are then sent to the smartphone via Bluetooth. The system also alerts you in the event of high or low blood sugar levels. The data obtained can then be evaluated using an app.
Originally designed for people with diabetes, health enthusiasts and those wanting to lose weight also use the technology.
The providers’ advertising promise is “the flatter the glucose curve, the better for your health,” according to the VSB.
Among other things, low energy levels, mood swings, PMS, hot flashes, sleep disorders and weight gain can be treated using blood sugar tracking.
Women in particular receive promises from this. Symptoms of hormone fluctuations are caused by fluctuations in blood sugar levels and can be prevented with the help of tracking.
According to current scientific knowledge, not necessary
However, according to current scientific knowledge, tracking is not necessary for healthy people. A healthy body is usually able to measure the concentration of blood sugar itself and the pancreas then reacts quickly depending on the amount of glucose.
There are also a variety of other reasons for symptoms such as fatigue, PMS or sleep disorders.
For the conscious perception of nutrition and for getting to know metabolic processes, tracking can be temporarily interesting for people who do not suffer from diabetes, but permanent measurement can also have negative consequences.
“The negative consequences outweigh the benefits here,” says Elisa Neutatz, nutrition expert at VSB. “By constantly monitoring your own body, compulsive control can develop.” In addition, the data from the trackers are often misinterpreted.
“We don’t lose weight just by maintaining a constant blood sugar level,” explains Neutatz. Many other factors are significantly involved here. Individual advice from nutrition specialists can help. (ad)