Understanding Glucose Levels in Non-Diabetics: New Findings from Continuous Glucose Monitoring

The use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) is expanding beyond diabetic populations, with many non-diabetic individuals adopting these devices to track their glucose levels. However, little research has been done to establish normative glucose ranges for non-diabetic users. A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine sheds light on this topic, offering key insights for both users and healthcare professionals.

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, researchers analyzed data from non-diabetic participants using CGMs and found that these individuals spent more time with elevated glucose levels than previously believed. Over-the-counter CGMs, recently launched by manufacturers like Dexcom and Abbott, are increasingly popular, but clear benchmarks for what constitutes normal glucose levels in non-diabetics have been lacking. This research addresses that gap, offering a new perspective on glucose monitoring for non-diabetic users.

New Findings on Glucose Levels in Non-Diabetic Individuals

The study analyzed data from participants in the Framingham Heart Study who wore Dexcom G6 Pro monitors for at least a week. Researchers found that non-diabetics spent approximately three hours per day (12.1% of the time) with glucose levels exceeding 140 mg/dL. Some participants even experienced spikes above 180 mg/dL. These findings challenge earlier research from smaller studies, which suggested that non-diabetics rarely spent time with glucose levels above 140 mg/dL.

An additional key discovery was the similarity in mean glucose ranges (100-140 mg/dL) between individuals with normoglycemia and those with prediabetes. This suggests that mean glucose levels may not be a reliable marker for distinguishing between non-diabetic and prediabetic individuals, despite the fact that prediabetics spend more time with elevated glucose levels compared to normoglycemics.

Why This Research Matters

These findings are significant for the growing number of non-diabetic individuals using CGMs. Understanding typical glucose ranges can help users interpret their own data and potentially identify early indicators of metabolic changes. For clinicians, this study provides valuable reference points for assessing glucose data in non-diabetics and may aid in predicting the development of diabetes in the future.

With more people adopting CGMs, the ability to track and understand glucose fluctuations in non-diabetic populations could open new avenues for preventative care. This research provides a foundation for using CGM data not just for managing diabetes, but for identifying at-risk individuals before they develop the disease.