Tag: blood sugar

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FDA Warns Against Using Smartwatches and Smart Rings for Blood Sugar Monitoring

In a recent announcement, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a cautionary alert regarding the use of smartwatches and smart rings for measuring blood glucose levels. The FDA highlighted significant risks associated with these devices, which claim to provide blood glucose readings without the need for skin piercing.

According to the FDA, none of these smartwatches or smart rings have received authorization or approval for standalone blood glucose level measurement. The agency emphasized that relying on such unauthorized devices could result in inaccurate readings, posing serious threats to diabetes management and potentially endangering lives. The FDA clarified that while certain smartwatch apps may display data from FDA-approved continuous glucose monitoring devices that do pierce the skin, the unauthorized devices in question employ non-invasive techniques that have not been validated for accurate blood glucose measurement.

Although the FDA did not specify particular brands, it warned consumers to be wary of products claiming to measure blood glucose levels without skin penetration. These devices, despite their claims, do not provide direct blood glucose testing and should not be utilized for such purposes, the FDA stressed. Healthcare providers were also urged to engage in discussions with patients regarding the risks associated with unauthorized blood glucose measuring devices and to aid them in selecting appropriate FDA-authorized alternatives for their medical needs.

Furthermore, the FDA reiterated its commitment to preventing the illegal marketing of unauthorized smartwatches and smart rings for blood glucose monitoring. Consumers encountering adverse events or encountering inaccurate blood glucose measurements from using these unauthorized devices are encouraged to report such incidents through the FDA MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

In light of these warnings, individuals dependent on accurate blood glucose measurements for medical management are advised to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure the use of FDA-approved devices for monitoring their condition effectively and safely.

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A recent study suggests that engaging in just two minutes of post-meal walking can have a beneficial impact on blood sugar levels.

A 2022 study published in the journal Sports Medicine suggests that taking a short walk of just two to five minutes after eating can help lower blood sugar levels. This practice, common in the Mediterranean lifestyle, is known to contribute to the overall health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. The study compared the impact of sitting, standing, and walking on insulin and blood sugar levels by analyzing seven different studies. It found that intermittent light-intensity walking after meals was the most effective in reducing glucose levels, with an average reduction of 17.01% compared to prolonged sitting. Standing also had a positive impact but was not as effective as walking. Keeping blood sugar levels stable is important for overall health, as large spikes and fast falls can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Movement helps clear sugars from the bloodstream, making post-meal walking a simple and effective way to promote better health. Additionally, meeting the recommended physical activity standards, which include 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, can significantly reduce the risk of all-cause mortality. Just 21.43 minutes of daily physical activity can lower the risk of death from any cause by one-third, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The study indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes could experience advantages from engaging in exercise during the afternoon.

A recent study suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes might benefit more from exercising in the afternoon rather than in the morning for better blood sugar management. The research, conducted by scientists from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Joslin Diabetes Center, involved over 2,400 overweight individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Participants wore waist accelerometry recording devices to monitor their physical activity.

The study revealed that those who engaged in “moderate-to-vigorous” physical activity in the afternoon experienced the most significant reduction in blood glucose levels. This type of activity includes brisk walking, recreational badminton, and activities like hiking, jogging, or cycling at higher intensity. The positive effects on blood glucose levels were consistent even after analyzing data from the fourth year of the study. People who exercised in the afternoon were also more likely to reduce or stop their glucose-lowering diabetes medication.

The research underscores the potential importance of exercise timing in managing blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the study has limitations as it didn’t consider factors like sleep and diet. Experts, including Dr. Lucy Chambers from Diabetes UK, emphasize the value of finding an exercise routine that suits individual preferences and can be sustained in the long term, regardless of the specific timing. While afternoon exercise was linked to the most substantial benefits, the reasons behind this pattern remain unclear, and existing evidence on optimal exercise times remains mixed. The study’s findings were published in the journal Diabetes Care.