Have you ever wondered how your body reacts when you dig into a decadent bowl of chocolate ice cream, or a hearty meal of butter chicken with butter naans followed by a gulab jamun? Unfortunately, millions of Indians who are diabetic or prediabetic already know the answer to both of these. It sends their blood sugar levels shooting up beyond the acceptable range. But is this something everyone really needs to know? Well, HealthifyMe thinks so and will let users who sign up for their HealthifyPro Programme do exactly this.
HealthifyPro wants to introduce continuous Blood Glucose monitoring (CGM) as a key part of decoding what it calls ‘metabolic health’. The sensor is stuck to one of your arms (no, it does not hurt) and continuously monitors your blood sugar levels. But before you try this out, we think it’s better to have a chat with your doctor to figure out if you need this at all, because not everyone might be ready to understand the numbers in the right sense.
Recommended for you
- 1Oppo Find N2 Flip review: Can it beat Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4?
- 2Samsung Galaxy S23+ review: A flagship that shines where it matters
- 3Orient Electric Cloud 3 fan review: A fan upgrade, not an AC replacement
Now, let’s talk about what HealthifyPro is, what it is trying to achieve, and my experience having used this for nearly two weeks.
HealthifyPro: What is it, what do you get?
CGM devices have been coming out of the domain of high-end diabetic care over the past few years. HealthifyPro is the latest entrant with its ‘beta’ programme available via the app. The programme will cost you between Rs 5,500 and Rs 8,000 per month, though the prices are still being finalised. With the base plan, users will get one sensor, which costs about Rs 4,500, a quarter. Plus you get access to HealthifyPro’s top coaches and the smart assistant Ria.
The idea is that all of these elements come together to help the user get insights. You get a daily ‘metabolic’ score that is designed to help you achieve your fitness goals– this is based on how well you have ‘maintained’ sugar levels. The ideal range that HealthifyPro has set is 70 to 110 mg/dl for sugar levels. Keep in mind that these numbers are not in line with medical standards — under 140 mg/dl post meal or within the range of 70-180 mg/dl.
Healthify Pro’s sensor patch on my right arm. (Image credit: Shruti Dhapola/Indian Express)
The more your sugar stays in range, the higher your daily score, according to the app. There’s some predictive analysis too happening on the basis of this. For instance, the app will estimate your Hba1C, an indicator of average sugar levels over a period of time. Based on your food intake, or the lack of it, Ria will warn you a sugar spike or a dip.
The sensor sticks to your body easily and HealthifyPro has added a patch to keep it in place, usually at the side of the upper arm. But I can see a lot of people panicking the first time they have to pin this to their arm. HealthifyPro plans to send an expert to the user’s house to help them wear the sensor, but a lot of diabetics stick the sensor on without any external help. You can wear the sensor for swimming or during your baths, but it cannot be submerged underwater for more than 30 minutes.
Advertisement
The sensor is actually Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre, recommended by many doctors in India to keep a track of sugar levels in diabetics. This is not the first time I’ve worn this sensor in my life. In early 2020, when I had gestational diabetes, the doctor wanted to track my stats better and got me to wear one, though I did not have access to the data which was with the doctor.
But HealthifyPro lets a user sync the sensor directly with their phone (iOS and Android) so that you can see the levels in the HealthifyPro app. I used it with my iPhone 12 Pro Max, but it works with any phone which has NFC access.
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre is the sensor being used by HealthifyPro. (Image source: Shruti Dhapola/Indian Express)
The company also has a Smart Scale that calculates metrics such as weight, fat percentage, muscle mass, etc. These also sync directly with the HealthifyMe app via Bluetooth and add to the insights generated by the programme. The programme also gives access to a free blood test that looks at various aspects such as lipid profile, vitamin deficiency, your HBA1c, liver health, etc.
One can also sync their fitness tracker, such as Apple Watch or Fitbit to ensure steps, etc are noted on the app. I did this with my Fitbit, though not all trackers are supported. The exercise sessions you record on your tracker or watch do not get automatically synced to the app. I had to manually enter my exercise sessions onto HealthifyPro, which is inconvenient.
Advertisement
Keep in mind that HealthifyPro is also collecting a lot of data points about you. Again you need to be sure that you’re okay with this as you sign up. HealthifyMe states all of this data is encrypted and secure and that they are GDPR compliant.
HealthifyPro: Let’s talk about that Blood sugar monitor
Since the sensor is measuring sugar levels from interstitial fluid — also called tissue fluid that surrounds the body cells — its readings will very rarely match with those from a glucometer which measures blood sugar directly from a prick test. Most experts agree that a CGM is around 10-15 minutes behind in the numbers, and while these might not accurate all the time, they can help give a trend of your sugar levels.
But often the differences are glaring. For instance, one day after lunch, the glucometer showed my blood sugar was 97 mg/dl while the sensor showed it at 167 mg/dl. In fact, one can see that the graph for that day goes right up, crossing 200. I found this particular spike interesting because this was a day my carb content was slightly higher. I ate one roti, and what I thought was a ‘little bit’ of rice pulao along with my usual chicken and vegetables. I’ve known since my gestational diabetes days that rice eaten in unmeasured quantities is a sure shot way to send my sugar levels rising. It is likely this spike was captured by the sensor. But the fact that two hours later, it still showed a spike was worrying, though my glucometer showed something else.
For instance, one day after lunch, the glucometer showed my blood sugar was 97 mg/dl while the sensor showed it at 167 mg/dl. (Image credit: Shruti Dhapola/Indian Express)
Then on my son’s birthday, at 10.00am, I crossed 200 for a brief period. But hey I had cake. In fact, on a day on which I ate a lot of sushi, cake and chicken qorma, my graph was going up and down. This was not surprising for me, but just a reminder that refined sugar is something I need to avoid due to my medical history.
I say this as someone who spent the last nine months trying to keep blood sugar levels in control. I have also lost all of my post-pregnancy weight (around 10 kg) in this period thanks to the help of a nutritionist/fitness coach (not connected to this app).
I should also point out that during the two weeks I wore the sensor, my activities were low, my sleep was off and so was my diet.
Advertisement
All of these impact blood sugar levels. And does exercise make a difference to those blood sugar spikes and keep them in control? Absolutely as I noticed during my a recent company offsite. An early morning gym session followed by an uphill walk ensured that two idlis at breakfast — a sure way to spike my sugars as I’ve seen in the past– caused no drastic spike.
HealthifyPro will also give access to a nutritionist and exercise coach you can connect with, who do keep messaging. I have barely interacted with the exercise coach. But the nutritionist has constantly messaged me. I also appreciated that she understood I was already on a diet plan with someone else and didn’t suggest any changes other than the need to add a salad to each meal, and follow it up with a brisk walk, instead of just plonking myself in front of my laptop. Frankly, it might sound like boring advice, but it is one that works.
Advertisement
A look at the days where my sugar levels were spiking. On May 5 in particular, the graph goes up and do all day given I indulged in sweets, etc on this particular day. (Image credit: Shruti Dhapola/Indian Express)
Still, I’m not entirely convinced that these sugar numbers should be handled by a nutritionist alone, especially when the spikes are very high. There are also the medical reports, which the nutritionist can see to recommend any areas of concern such as the need for supplements. Again, I would stress that only a doctor should be adding supplements–if needed at all– to your diet.
HealthifyPro: What about the other features, UI?
The HealthifyPro programme also lets you sync the smart scale and plots your weight trend. I typically weigh myself once a week, in the early morning on an empty stomach. The numbers are in line with what I’ve seen over the past two months. I’ve lost the extra weight, but still need to reduce body fat further, which actually is a harder challenge. All of this data is also seen by the nutritionist and exercise coach you choose.
Advertisement
HealthifyPro’s interface. (Image credit: Shruti Dhapola/Indian Express)
But the user interface for Pro can be a little cluttered at times and it is still a work in progress. It might take a few minutes to make sense of all the information thrown at you. I also noticed that the design changed during the course of my usage as the company rolled out the beta version.
There’s a dedicated Pro tab in the app, where you will see the coach, your health reports, the scale, etc. For Pro users, the home page opens with a graph of their sensor data, followed by their nutrition data for the day. This is based on the meals one has logged daily.
HealthifyPro: So what’s the point of this program? Should you give it a try?
With HealthifyPro, the company wants to evolve beyond just an app to track one’s daily food intake, exercise, etc in order to lose weight. The new ‘Pro’ programme is an advanced option aimed at those who have started a fitness journey, and are keen for some more data and stats. The approach is also designed to help deliver a more tailored plan for one’s fitness journey, according to the company.
If you have been struggling to lose weight, despite your best efforts, maybe this approach could help give some insights on foods or drinks that are making this so difficult. Yes, tech-based programmes which are data-driven might seem like the right answer in a world where everyone has an opinion on nutrition. But HealthifyPro is still a work in progress. This is something even the company admits since it is only in beta testing for now.
But before you decide to sign up, please do read up on blood sugar levels, and diabetes or just talk to a doctor who specialises in the field. If you have anxiety and find yourself panicking every time you see the numbers right post a meal, then I would not recommend you try this. You will only convince yourself of something that perhaps doesn’t even exist. Even I won’t be wearing the sensor again, till my doctor gives me the approval.
Also Read
Exploring the camera capabilities of the Xiaomi 13 Pro with Leica integra...
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review: Folding in more usability
Super General portable air conditioner review: The AC inside the room
Samsung Galaxy Watch review: Good battery life, packed with features
The reason I say it’s best to consult your doctor first is from experience. My insulin resistance was caught because I happened to tell my gynaecologist that I wasn’t losing weight despite swimming every day. She suggested I get my sugars tested and yes, things were off. Call it genetics (my mother and paternal aunt have type 2 diabetes), my lack of regular exercise, or my love for deep-fried maida in any form, I’ve known that I’m prone to diabetes. HealthifyPro was just another reminder that I need to work continuously to keep these problems in check. But most importantly, it was a reminder that on days I don’t move, I’m causing a lot more damage to myself, perhaps more than that bowl of ice cream I now so judiciously avoid.
FAQs
What should reading on glucose monitor be? ›
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends the following target blood sugar levels: Between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 4.4 to 7.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) before meals. Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) two hours after meals.
Does wearing a glucose monitor help you lose weight? ›BIOS is a continuous glucose monitoring device that shows the amount of spike any food item causes in your glucose or blood sugar levels. Tracking glucose is an effective method of losing weight the correct way. Generally, you have to wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor to know how your glucose levels affect your body.
Is continuous glucose monitoring worth it? ›Glucose monitoring is absolutely vital for people with diabetes. By successfully managing blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels, diabetics can avoid many complications associated with the disease.
What do you need to know about continuous glucose monitoring? ›What is continuous glucose monitoring? Continuous glucose monitoring automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can see your glucose level anytime at a glance. You can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours or days to see trends.
What should my glucose level be in the morning? ›What should your blood sugar be when you wake up? Whenever possible, aim to keep your glucose levels in range between 70 and 130 mg/dL in the morning before you eat breakfast, and between 70 and 180 mg/dL at other times.
What is a dangerously high glucose reading? ›Seek immediate help from your care provider or call 911 if: You have ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, and you can't keep any food or fluids down. Your blood glucose levels stay above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L ) and you have symptoms of ketones in your urine.
Will losing 20 pounds lower blood sugar? ›Significant and sustained weight loss—for example, in the range of 10 kg (about 22 pounds) as shown in some studies—is the most important factor. Studies in which participants lost small amounts of weight have shown lower rates of type 2 diabetes remission.
What is the difference between a glucose monitor and a glucose meter? ›Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) measure glucose levels at a single moment in time, while Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems continually check glucose levels throughout the day and night and can alert you if your glucose levels go too high or too low.
Can low glucose cause weight gain? ›Your glucose levels
Your blood sugar level balance is the key to maintaining steady energy levels, weight, and will also affect your appetite. Uneven blood glucose levels which peak and trough can cause many symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain.
Potential DISADVANTAGES:
Cost, especially if not covered by insurance. Insurance coverage or qualifications for coverage may be an issue. May require calibration with fingerstick glucose. Need to remember to scan an intermittently-scanned device.
What is the difference between blood glucose monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring? ›
While blood glucose monitoring devices measure the glucose in your blood, continuous glucose monitoring devices measure the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The interstitial fluid sits in between the cells of your body.
What are the drawbacks of continuous glucose monitoring? ›The major limitation of CGM is the measurement of interstitial glucose levels rather than real-time blood glucose levels; thus, there will be a delay in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in patients.
Can I get a continuous glucose monitor if I don't have diabetes? ›Even non-diabetics can get access to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) through a Signos membership. The CGM measures the glucose in your interstitial fluid and sends this information via bluetooth to the Signos app, where you can see a line graph of your glucose data.
Who is a good candidate for continuous glucose monitoring? ›Good candidates for CGM include those with uncontrolled diabetes, lack of hypoglycemia awareness, discordant A1C and finger-stick readings, dawn phenomenon, postprandial hyperglycemia, nocturnal hypoglycemia, suspected medication nonadherence, and special populations (e.g., chronic kidney disease or pregnancy).
Which glucose monitor is the most accurate? ›Accu-Chek Aviva Plus Blood Glucose Monitoring System
This glucometer model from AccuChek is well-known as one of the most accurate blood sugar-monitoring devices on the market.
The dawn phenomenon
In the early hours of the morning, hormones, including cortisol and growth hormone, signal the liver to boost the production of glucose, which provides energy that helps you wake up. This triggers beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin in order to keep blood glucose levels in check.
The dawn phenomenon is an early-morning rise in blood sugar, also called blood glucose, in people with diabetes. The dawn phenomenon leads to high levels of blood sugar, a condition called hyperglycemia. It usually happens between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Why do I feel shaky when my blood sugar is normal? ›Understanding Idiopathic Postprandial Syndrome (IPS) People with IPS often experience symptoms of low blood sugar even though their blood sugar levels are within a normal range. A doctor may recommend making changes to your diet to ease symptoms. You frequently feel out of energy or shaky after a meal.
Will drinking water lower blood sugar? ›Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.
Physical or emotional stress triggers the release of hormones that can cause high blood sugar levels. Menstrual periods and menopause also cause changes in the hormones that affect blood sugar levels. Regular blood sugar testing can uncover patterns. This can help you and your health care team control your diabetes.
Does lemon water reduce blood sugar? ›
Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure.
Can losing 20 pounds reverse diabetes? ›However, he says that “86% of those in the main study who lost more than 33 pounds reversed their diabetes status, and more than half of those who lost anywhere from 22 to 33 pounds experienced remission,” so they no longer had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Can losing 10 pounds reverse diabetes? ›New research published in Diabetic Medicine shows people who lost 10% of their body fat in the first five years following a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis were more than twice as likely to put the disease into remission than those who maintained their weight.
Will diabetes go away if I lose weight? ›The strongest evidence we have at the moment suggests that type 2 diabetes is mainly put into remission by weight loss. Remission is more likely if you lose weight as soon as possible after your diabetes diagnosis. However, we do know of people who have put their diabetes into remission 25 years after diagnosis.
Which is more accurate CGM or fingerstick? ›The gold standard for accuracy is a blood draw measurement and both finger sticks and CGMs have error margins (MARD) to that standard. Finger sticks tend to be in the range of 5-10% MARD, while the Libre has a MARD of about 9.7% over 14 days, and the Dexcom G6 has a MARD of 9% over 10 days.
Which is more accurate blood glucose or sensor glucose? ›Therefore, the truest number of glucose levels is in the blood. So a BGM reading from a blood sample gives the most accurate glucose reading.
Is blood glucose monitoring more accurate than urine? ›Urine glucose tests are not as accurate as blood glucose tests. Many things can cause false positives or false negatives. For instance, the test actually reflects what your blood glucose level was a few hours earlier, so it might not be very accurate.
Why is my blood sugar so high when I'm not eating any carbs? ›So people reduce their carb intake, go on a low carbohydrate diet, and focus on eating healthy fats and (in many cases) too much protein. But what this solution crucially fails to address is insulin resistance, which is the true cause of those high blood glucose numbers.
What should I eat for low blood sugar in the morning? ›If you wake up with hypoglycemia symptoms, try to consume about 15 grams of carbohydrates as soon as possible. Snacks that provide this include: 3 glucose tablets. 1/2 cup of non-sugar-free fruit juice.
What is a diabetic belly? ›Diabetes Belly Fat is a sign that the body is failing. Stomach fat is linked to Heart failure in the diabetic. Lack of good insulin causes the body to store fat at the waist.
What should blood sugar be 3 hours after eating? ›
Here are the normal blood sugar ranges for a person without diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association: Fasting blood sugar (in the morning, before eating): Less than 100 mg/dL. 1-2 hours after a meal: Less than 140 mg/dL. 2-3 hours after eating: Less than 100 mg/dL.
What should your blood sugar be 2 hours after eating dinner? ›These are typical targets: Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL. Two hours after the start of a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL.
What can affect the accuracy of your blood glucose monitor? ›Blood samples from alternate sites aren't as accurate as fingertip samples when your blood sugar level is rising or falling quickly. If you are dehydrated or your red blood cell count is low (anemia), your test results may be less accurate.
How often should I scan my continuous glucose monitor? ›For a complete glycaemic picture (to ensure all the data is transferred from you sensor), scan at least once every 8 hours. Most people will want to scan more often anyway- at least 6 times a day is recommended.
How accurate is fingerstick glucose? ›Fingerstick testing
Per FDA guidelines, a fingerstick blood testing device is expected to deliver readings with 95% accuracy2.
The CGM metrics provide a more personalized approach to diabetes management and resolve most of the limitations of HbA1c. CGM detects within-day and day-to-day GV, time in glycemic target, and time in hypoglycemia. These metrics may enhance a patient's self-management of diabetes.
How painful is a continuous glucose monitor? ›“A continuous glucose monitor eliminates most finger pricks,” Dr. Trachtenbarg says. “There may be mild discomfort when first inserting the sensor, but there is no pain afterward.” One big advantage to continuous glucose monitoring is reducing the number of low blood sugar readings.
How many people use continuous glucose monitors? ›With approximately 2.4 million CGM users domestically, according to a 2021 market analysis by Seagrove Partners, the adoption rate across all diabetes types is comparatively low. However, up to 70% of CGM use is for type 1 diabetes (T1D); only 3-4% of the U.S. T2D population use CGM despite established benefits.
What should your glucose level be to lose weight? ›Their CGM shows a baseline of 90 mg/dl. After eating lunch, however, their CGM shows blood sugar spikes up to 140. As a general rule, we don't want our blood sugar to spike more than 30 points after eating, especially if your goal is weight loss.
What are the benefits of blood glucose monitoring? ›Regular blood sugar monitoring is the most important thing you can do to manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes. You'll be able to see what makes your numbers go up or down, such as eating different foods, taking your medicine, or being physically active.
What are the benefits of glucose monitoring? ›
Tracking blood glucose levels tells you how much insulin your body needs and when. Blood sugar levels that go up and down a lot can damage your body in different ways. Very high (hyperglycemia) or low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels can be serious, and even life-threatening when not treated quickly.
Which glucose is best for weight loss? ›Talking about sugar being good for health, then natural sugar or stevia is the best. They have many health benefits to offer apart from weight loss. It has all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your body. While stevia is also known to be the best sugar for weight loss.
Can losing 5 pounds lower blood sugar? ›Losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight may help you better manage your type 2 diabetes and keep blood sugar levels under control. Here's how. Maintaining a healthy weight has its obvious health benefits — but it can also help you better manage type 2 diabetes.
Is it harder to lose weight if your blood sugar is high? ›Losing weight with insulin resistance is more difficult because your body converts blood sugar into fat instead of energy. The solution? For a start, reducing the sugar and processed carbohydrates in your diet while increasing healthy fats (such as in nuts, avocados, and fish) along with vegetables and whole grains.
Does having high blood sugar make you gain weight? ›When there is a lot of excess insulin and blood sugar in our blood stream, it signals our body to put that excess sugar in storage. We can store some sugar in our liver and muscles, however, when these are full our body start to store the extra sugar as fat. This of course starts to cause weight gain.
Should you use a glucose monitor if you are prediabetic? ›In prediabetes blood sugar is slightly high, but not high enough to meet the definition of diabetes. For healthy people, blood sugar testing is typically recommended every three years or so; if prediabetes is diagnosed, repeat testing is recommended more often, at least yearly.
What should type 2 diabetes blood sugar be before bed? ›Normal blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes
Adults with type 2 diabetes should normally aim for the following typical ranges: Before you eat: 70–130 mg/dl. After you eat: less than 180 mg/dl. At bedtime: 100–140 mg/dl.
Most people not using CGM need to test at least four times per day. If you use an insulin pump, give yourself three or more insulin injections per day, or are a woman with type 1 diabetes who is pregnant, you may need to test as many as 10 times per day or more.
How long does it take to reverse prediabetes? ›How much time really depends on the person, their starting weight, and their level of physical activity. Some people may need to lose more weight than others to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It can take several weeks, months, or years to see an improvement.
What is continuous glucose monitoring disadvantages? ›Potential DISADVANTAGES:
Cost, especially if not covered by insurance. Insurance coverage or qualifications for coverage may be an issue. May require calibration with fingerstick glucose. Need to remember to scan an intermittently-scanned device.
Is sugar from fruit as bad as refined sugar? ›
Sugar in fruit and added sugar are not the same thing, says Lauri Wright, spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. But even for people without diabetes, sugar in fruit is a healthier option than sugar from other sources, according to nutritionist Wright.
Is Brown Sugar good for diabetes? ›Despite slight differences in taste, brown and white sugar have a very similar nutrient profile and effect on blood sugar levels. Therefore, brown sugar does not provide any benefits to people with diabetes. Everyone — but especially people with this condition — should moderate their sugar intake for optimal health.
What foods have no sugar? ›- Vegetables. Compared to fruits, most vegetables contain less sugar. ...
- Meat. Seafood, pork, beef, and chicken are all sugar-free. ...
- Beans, Nuts, Lentils. If you don't eat meat, soybeans, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds are great sugar-free, high-protein foods.
- Grains.