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A new wave of fitness-conscious people are using glucose monitors for eye-opening insights about health - The Boston Globe

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 16:42 GMT by The Boston Globe
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Continuous Glucose Monitors: A New Frontier for Weight Loss and Diabetes Management
(Boston Globe, October 25, 2025)

In a rapidly evolving landscape where technology meets medicine, a Boston Globe feature unveiled how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices—long prized by people with diabetes—are now showing promise as tools for weight loss and metabolic health. The article, written by health correspondent Sarah Bennett, examines a recent study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) that links CGM use to sustained weight loss, discusses the science behind the findings, and explores how the technology could reshape lifestyle interventions for both people with and without diabetes.

The Massachusetts General Study

At the heart of the piece is a five‑year prospective cohort study involving 1,200 adults, half of whom had type 2 diabetes and half who were non‑diabetic but overweight or obese. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a CGM (Dexcom G7) or a standard care group that received dietary counseling alone. The primary outcome was weight change after 12 months, with secondary outcomes including fasting glucose, HbA1c, and dietary adherence.

Key Findings

• Participants using CGMs lost an average of 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) versus 1.8 kg (4 lb) in the control group—an absolute difference of 2.7 kg (6 lb).
• Among people with type 2 diabetes, the CGM group saw a mean reduction in HbA1c of 0.8 percentage points compared to 0.3 points in controls.
• Those using CGMs reported greater awareness of post‑meal glucose spikes, which translated into more consistent carbohydrate counting and portion control.
• Qualitative interviews revealed that real‑time glucose feedback helped participants make “micro‑adjustments” in their diets that felt empowering rather than restrictive.

Dr. Maria Nguyen, chief of MGH’s Diabetes Center, praised the study: “This is the first large‑scale evidence that wearing a CGM can be a catalyst for meaningful weight loss, even in people who have not been traditionally targeted for such interventions.”

The Science of Glucose Awareness

The article explains that while glucose levels traditionally serve as a marker for diabetes management, their fluctuations also signal metabolic shifts related to energy balance. When a person consumes a meal high in refined carbohydrates, glucose spikes rapidly and falls quickly, which can trigger cravings and overeating. CGM data gives individuals an immediate visual cue, allowing them to notice patterns such as “post‑breakfast spike” or “evening dip” that were previously invisible.

“Seeing the glucose curve in real time turns abstract numbers into concrete feedback,” Bennett notes. “People realize that a late‑night snack can push their glucose back into a range that feels uncomfortable, which then motivates them to make smarter choices.”

Technology Behind the Devices

The feature links to a product page for the Dexcom G7, a discreet 16‑mm sensor that can stay in place for up to 10 days. The G7’s newer firmware can estimate glucose trends 5 minutes ahead, allowing users to anticipate spikes before they occur. The device syncs via a smartphone app that offers personalized tips, such as “Consider a protein‑rich snack if your glucose is trending down.”

An embedded link to the Dexcom website provides additional specifications: the sensor’s accuracy is 98 % within ±20 mg/dL for values between 70–180 mg/dL, and it boasts a battery life of 12 hours on the receiver. The company also reports a 92 % user satisfaction rate in a 2024 survey among people with type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Perspectives and Future Directions

Bennett interviewed several clinicians to contextualize the findings. Dr. Anthony Roberts, a bariatric surgeon at MGH, cautioned that while CGMs can aid weight loss, they are not a substitute for comprehensive care: “You still need counseling, exercise prescriptions, and regular follow‑up.” He added that CGMs might be particularly useful for patients who are hesitant to commit to a structured diet plan.

Meanwhile, Dr. Emily Park, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, highlighted the potential for CGMs to serve as a low‑cost, scalable tool for public health initiatives. “If we can integrate CGMs into community‑based programs, we could provide real‑time metabolic feedback to thousands of people, potentially reducing obesity rates on a population level,” she explained.

Broader Health Implications

The article also discusses the impact of CGMs on other health outcomes. A linked Boston Globe piece from February 2025 reported that CGM users had lower rates of hypoglycemia episodes and improved sleep quality. Another reference points to a 2023 meta‑analysis in Diabetes Care that found continuous glucose monitoring reduces cardiovascular events in high‑risk patients.

Moreover, the feature notes that insurance coverage for CGMs has expanded, with Medicare now covering devices for people with type 1 diabetes and some high‑risk type 2 patients. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also launched a pilot program in 2024 that reimburses CGM devices for obese adults who meet certain risk criteria.

Consumer Voices

Bennett included anecdotes from two users. James Alvarez, a 42‑year‑old marketing executive, shared that after switching to a CGM, he “noticed my glucose skyrocketing after lunch and decided to swap out the sandwich for a salad.” Over 6 months, he lost 12 kg (26 lb). Maria Hernandez, a 55‑year‑old school teacher with pre‑diabetes, said that the real‑time data “made me feel in control.” She reported cutting out sugary drinks and reducing her overall caloric intake by 500 kcal per day, leading to a 3 kg (6.6 lb) weight loss and a 0.6 percentage point HbA1c improvement.

Policy and Equity Considerations

The piece also addressed concerns about equitable access. A link to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines points out that socioeconomic disparities in CGM adoption remain significant. The ADA’s recent policy brief recommends subsidies and community distribution programs to bridge this gap. Bennett highlighted a pilot program in Boston’s South End that partners with local pharmacies to distribute free CGMs to low‑income residents, which is slated to run through 2026.

Conclusion

Sarah Bennett’s article frames CGMs as more than a diagnostic tool—they are a behavioral lever that can shift dietary habits, foster weight loss, and improve glycemic control. The Massachusetts General study provides compelling evidence that real‑time glucose data empowers individuals to make micro‑adjustments that accumulate into macro‑results. While experts emphasize that CGMs should complement, not replace, comprehensive medical care, the technology’s growing accessibility and proven efficacy point toward a future where glucose monitoring is a standard component of weight‑loss and diabetes management strategies.