My two weeks in sugar jail

"Blood sugar is a hot topic, and after months of watching content waxing lyrical about "balancing it," I needed to know if it was true that tracking my glucose levels would help boost my energy. So with a few taps on my laptop, I ordered a continuous glucose monitor: a small white disk carrying a tiny needle, which charts blood sugar levels in near real-time via an app."

"Glucose is our primary energy source, which we get from carbohydrates in food and drink. The body uses it for energy, and anything that's left over is stored in the muscles, liver, or fat cells for later use. Sugary snacks and simple carbs like white pasta tend to lead to bigger blood sugar spikes, while pairing carbs with protein, fats, and fiber has been found to smooth out the curve."

"The term " glucose spike" has become a dirty word, as wellness influencers say that peaks and troughs lead to weight gain, energy crashes, and cravings. In turn, there are plenty of personal anecdotes online - but limited evidence - that "balancing" blood sugar by keeping it stable has helped people lose weight, feel happier and more energetic, sleep better, and avoid chronic disease."

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was purchased and worn; the device records near-real-time blood glucose via an app. CGMs were designed for people with diabetes to prevent dangerous glucose swings but are increasingly marketed to healthy consumers. Glucose serves as primary energy; excess glucose is stored in muscles, liver, or fat. Simple carbohydrates and sugary foods produce larger blood sugar spikes, while combining carbs with protein, fats, or fiber smooths glucose responses. Wellness influencers claim spikes cause weight gain, energy crashes, cravings, and chronic disease risk, yet most favorable accounts remain anecdotal and controlled evidence is limited. The wearer initially found tracking exciting but later felt constrained.

Read at Business Insider