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Functional Medicine and Technology

  • Writer: Dr. Kogan
    Dr. Kogan
  • Mar 25
  • 3 min read

 

Functional Medicine is all about personalized healthcare, digging deep to find the root causes of symptoms. Unlike conventional medicine, which often relies on broad guidelines and one-size-fits-all treatments, Functional Medicine practitioners focus on each patient’s unique biology.


In this article, I would like to spotlight managing blood sugar levels, which can feel like a rollercoaster for many patients, especially those dealing with diabetes, insulin resistance, or unexplained fatigue. Traditional finger-prick tests only provide glimpses into what’s happening inside the body, leaving both patients and doctors guessing. Enter Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): tiny wearable devices that track blood sugar levels in real-time, giving Functional Medicine doctors an incredible tool to fine-tune health strategies for their patients.


CGMs consist of a tiny sensor placed on the arm, constantly measuring glucose levels and sending the data to a smartphone. Functional Medicine doctors use this data to uncover patterns and trends that traditional testing simply can’t capture.


Here’s how CGMs help doctors personalize treatment plans:

  • Spot Hidden Imbalances: Many patients struggle with energy crashes, brain fog, or stubborn weight gain without knowing why. CGMs reveal glucose fluctuations that may be causing these symptoms, allowing for precise interventions.


  • Fine-Tune Diets: Every person reacts differently to food. One patient may experience a blood sugar spiking from oatmeal, while another can handle it just fine. With CGM data, doctors can create highly customized nutrition plans that stabilize blood sugar and improve energy levels.


  • Understand Stress and Sleep Impact: Stress and poor sleep can wreak havoc on blood sugar. A CGM helps doctors identify whether a patient’s glucose spikes are linked to diet or stress-related cortisol surges, leading to more effective lifestyle recommendations.


  • Optimize Insulin Resistance Management: For those struggling with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, CGMs provide an inside look at how their body processes insulin, allowing for real-time adjustments to diet, supplements, and exercise routines.


One of the most exciting aspects of CGMs is the empowerment they give to patients. Instead of blindly following generic health advice, patients can see exactly how their bodies respond to different foods and activities.


For example, a patient might notice that their favorite smoothie causes a huge glucose spike, leading to fatigue and cravings later in the day. With that knowledge, they can swap ingredients or adjust portion sizes to maintain steady energy levels.


CGMs also reinforce good habits. When a patient sees that taking a 10-minute walk after lunch keeps their glucose stable, they’re more likely to stick with it. This immediate feedback helps people take charge of their health in a way that feels tangible and rewarding.


Of course, CGMs aren’t perfect. Some people find the sensors slightly uncomfortable, and cost can be a factor. However, direct-to-consumer options from reputable brands make them more accessible than ever. Many patients find the insights they get from this little disposable gadget and a smartphone app coupled with it, well worth the low daily cost.


The future of healthcare is personalized, data-driven, and proactive—and CGMs are leading the way. If you’re looking for a smarter approach to managing blood sugar and overall metabolic health, a CGM could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.


 

The author of Diet Slave No More!, Svetlana Kogan, MD, IFMCP is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience. CustomLongevity.com | 239.676.6883

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