Image source: Abbott

Why more young adults are turning to CGMs for better health insights

A survey by Abbott’s metabolic health service Lingo, shows just how much people’s attitudes toward fitness and health are shifting. With gadgets like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) catching on, it seems we’re more into tracking and tweaking our health than ever before.


Who’s using CGMs, and what’s the big deal?

Out of the 2,000 adults surveyed in the UK, 16% said they use CGMs even though they’re not diabetic. Younger adults, especially those aged 25-34, are leading the way, with nearly 38% of them using these devices. And it’s not just about keeping an eye on blood sugar—it’s about understanding how the body reacts to things like food, sleep, and stress.

Dr. Amy McKenzie put it simply: even small shifts in glucose levels can affect how you feel. CGMs let people see those changes in real-time, which helps them make tweaks to their habits. Whether it’s eating a bit differently or adjusting bedtime routines, these little changes could add up to big health improvements.

I actually tried one of these gadgets last year. The Ultrahuman M1 Live uses the Abbott Freestyle Libre 2 sensor. It measures glucose levels around the clock through a tiny filament that sits just under the skin—completely painless. You just scan it with your phone every eight hours to see what’s happening, and the Ultrahuman app does the rest. It gives you real-time feedback, tips, and even a “Metabolic Score” to help you make better choices for your health.

Over two weeks, I learned a ton about how food, workouts, and daily habits affected my glucose levels. It was a real eye-opener, helping me rethink things I’d never considered unhealthy.


Wearables are everywhere

In case you were wondering – it’s not just CGMs making waves. Over half the people surveyed—52%—own at least one wearable device, and these gadgets are clearly doing more than just sitting on wrists. People using wearables are seeing results: 52% said they’re exercising more, 50% reported sleeping better, and a third said they’re making smarter choices about food. The features people use the most include step tracking (59%), heart rate monitoring (37%), and sleep tracking (also 37%).

So, what’s the appeal? A lot of it comes down to the way these devices deliver clear, easy-to-digest feedback. Step counts, sleep scores, and even blood pressure readings give people a sense of control over their health. Nearly 29% of the people surveyed said they’re keen to try out even more advanced features, like tracking blood pressure.

Plus these gadgets also make sticking to goals feel a bit easier. Whether it’s a CGM helping you manage energy levels or a fitness tracker getting you off the couch, these devices are becoming a regular part of life for more and more people.

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Marko Maslakovic

Marko founded Gadgets & Wearables in 2014, having worked for more than 15 years in the City of London’s financial district. Since then, he has led the company’s charge to become a leading information source on health and fitness gadgets and wearables.

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