I’ve Tried 3 of the Leading Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Data Tracking Apps and Here’s What I Found…
<<< Wearing a CGM on my left arm. The device is covered with a black performance cover. Read to find out which app I like best!
First of all, what is a CGM?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a medical device used to monitor your blood sugar levels in real-time throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional glucose monitoring with periodic fingerstick tests, CGMs measure glucose levels at regular intervals (usually every few minutes). They do this through a small sensor inserted under the skin, typically on the abdomen or upper arm.
Why you might want to wear a CGM
CGM’s provide valuable information on what is happening with your glucose levels in real-time. This way you can better understand your body’s metabolic response to food, exercise, stress, sleep, and more. They provide instant metabolic data so that you can see exactly what’s going on and when. This can empower you to make data-driven changes in your diet & lifestyle to reduce your risk of metabolic disease in the future. You do not need to be diabetic to benefit from wearing a CGM!
Why is Metabolic Health So Important?
Only 12% of our population is metabolically healthy - that’s only 1 out of every 8 Americans! This is a huge problem because poor metabolic health increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and more. “Metabolic health is defined as having ideal levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference, without using medications.” Several studies have indicated that metabolic syndrome is linked with chronic low-grade inflammation and a weakened immune response. Metabolic health is so much more than having a normal weight. According to the National Library of Medicine, less than one-third of normal weight adults are metabolically healthy. It's significantly worse in overweight and obese individuals: 8% and 0.5%.
Food, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and more all play a large role in how our body is functioning metabolically throughout the day. Real-time, individualized glucose data from a CGM is like nothing we’ve been able to do before. They can teach us how to optimize our lifestyle to better support our metabolic health.
So which CGM Company/app should I use?
I’ve tried Levels, NutriSense, and Veri for several months each! They are the leading technology providers to help you better analyze your CGM data. My hope is to share my experience with each product to help you best decide a CGM for yourself!
First of all, all three use the same CGM devices. You attach them to your arm and they measure your body’s glucose levels 24 hours a day. Thankfully there are no uncomfortable and old-fashioned skin pricks multiple times a day! (honestly you can’t even feel it on your arm or when you apply it) The CGM transmits the data to your smartphone throughout the day. This allows you to see in real-time how diet, sleep, exercise, and stress affect your glucose levels.
Everybody is different. And everyone's body reacts to foods differently. A CGM can show you which foods are spiking your blood sugar vs those that keep your blood sugar steady. They can show you why you might be feeling tired, brain foggy, hangry, or moody shortly after certain meals/snacks vs. feeling satiated, energized, focused, and happy.
They also all show how exercise can quickly improve blood sugar control - like how a short walk after a blood-sugar spiking meal can bring down levels. Or how a lack of sleep can affect fasting glucose levels and trigger a heightened glucose response the following day.
I wish everyone could use a CGM at least once, not just someone with diabetes. They can provide you with warning signs you’re at increased risk for developing diabetes or other metabolic diseases. The only problem is that they’re a bit pricey. I do believe the value they can provide is worth it if you’re trying to become more metabolically healthy.
Now, here’s my honest review of the three monitors so that you can decide which company is best suited for you! 👇🏻
Levels
Pricing
When you FIRST sign up with Levels, the total cost will be $407. This includes the first month (with either two 14-day CGM’s or three 10-day CGM’s) at $199 + the annual app subscription fee of $199. It will then be $199 every month after with a monthly subscription, with the option to cancel anytime.
Pros:
Levels gives you biometric feedback through a Continuous Glucose Monitor to show how your body reacts to food and exercise
You can input specific food that you eat and exercises to calculate a score of metabolic fitness. This is valuable data for assessing how certain foods/exercises affect your blood sugar
The program offers guidance to help you interpret and improve your health by assessing overall metabolic health score
Cons:
You need to have both their app installed and Abbot's app. In other words, you have to use two different apps instead of just one. Levels app tracks glucose and gives you scores, etc. and it populates with the Libre app to read your CGM. You have to download both and use both to receive the data
Levels requires a prescription from a doctor to qualify for their program
NutriSense
Pricing
3-month plan = $299/month (includes 6, 14-day CGMs)
6-month plan = $250/month (includes 12, 14-day CGMs)
12-month plan = $225/month (includes 24, 14-day CGMs)
Each option comes with:
Free shipping = (2 CGMs delivered monthly)
Access to expert nutrition support
Access to the NutriSense app and a members only community
Pros:
NutriSense has great Apple Health integration (including apple watch) which Levels does not. This made a huge difference for my user experience
FREE Dietitian Support via text/call (SUPER valuable in my opinion)
The program offers guidance to help you interpret your metabolic health score data
Does not require a prescription from a doctor to qualify for the program
Cons:
No integration for either Garmin or Fitbit devices. So if you don't have an Apple watch/iPhone you’d have to enter activity and sleep data manually
Veri (update/Veri joined oura in 2024)
Pricing
Sensors + Access to Veri App
Intermittent Monitoring (1 sensor/month, 14 days of tracking) = $179/month
Continuous Monitoring (2 sensors/month, 28 days of tracking) = $279/month
App Only Option (Veri does not require you to purchase sensors directly from their company. The app is compatible with Freestyle Libre sensors if you have easier access to them, or if you can get them covered by insurance!)
$39/month
$199/year
Pros:
Super user friendly! Meal logging is very simple because you can take a picture of your meals and it’ll log it for you by using AI
Comes with an awesome community that provides access to fun challenges, recipes, and the option to connect with a dietician
It automatically scores your meals for you. This not only give you glucose insight, but can teach you how to build a healthy plate to make long lasting life changes
Cons:
You’ll need access to two different apps - Veri and LibreLink app by Abbott
Does require a consultation in order to purchase (But it’s quick and easy)
Which One Would I Choose?
Overall, the advantages of having real-time data on metabolic health is worth the investment. All of the programs determine overall metabolic score based on the blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day. Each also provides feedback on how to optimize metabolic health.
I’ve had good experiences with all of them, but if I had to choose, I would go with either NutriSense or Veri. I feel like NutriSense and Veri are most affordable and easiest to access + interpret. Both of the companies also have access to nutrition support which is super important to make lasting changes in your lifestyle.
If you are interested in CGM’s and want to try out either of these options, I have a code for both!
NutriSense: code = MADDHEALTHY for $35 off your first month
Veri: (update: Veri joined Oura in 2024)
For more information and LOADS of informative/experimental stories on my experience with all of the CGM companies, visit my highlight tabs on my Instagram page (4 separate highlights labeled: “Nutrisense,” “Levels,” “Blood Sugar,” and “Pregnancy”). And if you have any questions, feel free to email me at hello@maddhealthy.com.
Sources:
