The Power of a CGM

Lately Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have become so popular. But before we get into CGMs, we need to understand what these monitors are even measuring and why we should even care.

Blood Sugar, Insulin and Metabolic Syndrome

Blood sugar or glucose is a form of energy in the body and is controlled by the central nervous system. When blood glucose is too high or too low, the pancreas steps in and releases either insulin or glucagon. The hormone insulin is released when blood sugar levels are too high, and the hormone glucagon is released when blood sugar is too low.

Part of being metabolically healthy is being able to control our energy stores. The body leverages insulin and glucagon hormones to pull all these energy levers. There are many mechanisms for the body to produce glucose within the body.

1. GLYCOGENESIS. The liver converts glucose to glycogen and stores it for future use. The average adult can store about 100 grams of glycogen in the liver, about 10% of the organ’s weight. Skeletal muscle cells also convert blood glucose to glycogen (via glycogenesis) and store it locally.The average adult can store about 400 grams of glycogen in…