Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology can be beneficial if you’re an athlete looking to push performance to a new level. It can offer real-time feedback on current training and support efforts to build a roadmap to optimize athletic activity over time.
This technology involves using a small sensor called a CGM or continuous glucose monitor, which you insert under your skin, typically on the back of your arm.
The minimally-invasive device, worn 24/7, provides continual, real-time feedback on blood glucose levels during training and competition, which may help you maximize performance.
You can connect these CGM sensors to a transmitter or app that displays how your glucose levels change in response to various factors, including different macronutrients and pre and post-training sessions.
Learning more about your body to help prevent injuries
Optimizing your training and post-workout recovery
Tailoring your diet to boost your athletic performance
Supporting healthy blood sugar levels to encourage better energy levels and performance
Finding the right nutrient balance for your personal needs
Since CGMs are minimally-invasive devices, they’re hassle-free and easy to wear during high-intensity activities, including running.
Continuous glucose monitoring for runners may:
Help prevent bonking and injuries by learning how to fuel your body properly.
Help you understand how blood sugar levels may impact your stamina.
Find the right amount of carbohydrates for optimal training and post-recovery for your unique body.
Experiment with different nutrition strategies to help increase endurance.
If you’re a runner looking to boost performance, recover efficiently, and fuel properly, living a healthy lifestyle is an important first step. And CGM insights can play an important role.
The Nutrisense program can help you take those insights one step further by giving you access to personalized nutritionist support. Guidance from a nutritionist with a background in sports nutrition and performance can help ensure you’re fueling and recovering from training properly.
CGMs can also support your search for the perfect fitness program for your unique body. Whether you’re lifting weights, using the StairMaster, or doing a Zumba class, learning more about your glucose can offer an advantage in pursuit of various wellness goals.
Continuous glucose monitoring for fitness may help you:
Experiment with different macronutrient ratios to support body recomposition.
Determine the right protein amount and distribution for optimal muscle building.
Help you understand which diet will help with your weight loss or body recomposition goals.
Support healthy blood sugar levels for optimal muscle building and weight loss.
The Nutrisense CGM program lets you sync your CGM with other wearable devices so you can see how various lifestyle factors impact your fitness and athletic performance.
Integrations with apps like Health Kit, Biosense, and Ketomojo can also support anyone who wants to understand more about how nutrition may impact your fitness, performance, and recovery.
CGMs aren’t just for land athletes. If you’re a swimmer, you can use a continuous glucose monitor to see how your glucose levels change in real time, including before, during, and after swim workouts.
As a swimmer, a CGM may help you:
Identify strategies to support an increase in lung capacity and breath endurance.
Understand how blood sugar levels may affect your energy during training and swim meets.
Learn what lifestyle and dietary changes may help improve your performance in the pool.
It's a good idea to ensure that the CGM device you choose is waterproof and suitable for use in the pool before you dive in.
Most continuous glucose monitors are waterproof, though this may depend on your provider. The CGMs provided by the Nutrisense program are waterproof for up to three feet in the pool.
Using the protective patch provided with your sensor can also help ensure that it’s not damaged while you swim.
Still have questions? Here are some answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions.
Yes, a CGM is a minimally-invasive device that sits on the back of your arm. You can run, swim, cycle, or do any other activity you’d normally do while wearing this device. Just make sure to cover your Freestyle Libre CGM sensor with the protective bandage to prevent it from being damaged or accidently removed while you’re exercising.
Athletes can use CGM sensors to experiment with their nutrition, monitor their glucose and energy levels, and make more informed choices that can help support better athletic performance.
By using a CGM to monitor your blood sugar levels in real-time, you can optimize the way you are fueling your body, which can be extremely important for athletes, especially when performing endurance exercises.
*Disclaimer: The Nutrisense program is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any conditions such as diabetes.