Using Technology to Make Better Dietary Choices

Digital health companies have innovated ways to help individuals eat healthily and make better dietary choices through technology.

Many companies, including January, Levels, and Nutrisense, aim to help people see how certain foods can change blood sugar levels when consumed.  These companies give their customers glucose monitors that help them measure their blood sugar throughout the entire day. These are not the average blood glucose monitor; instead, they are very trendy and worn around the arm, almost like an accessory, with no needles required. The information is sent to the patients’ cellular devices so that they can frequently check blood glucose.

These devices show the effects of certain foods on blood sugar in real time. They also can show the impact that certain exercise activities could have on blood sugar as well. They even go as far as letting patients know when they are at risk for developing diabetes. These devices are an excellent option for both individuals with diabetes and individuals who want to avoid that diagnosis. Individuals with diabetes can use this to keep their blood glucose in check, and those without can use it to prevent themselves from developing diabetes.

At this point, it is common knowledge that foods high in sugar can be detrimental to your blood sugar. What people don’t realize is that everyone is different, and foods affect individuals differently. Studies have shown that two individuals can have the same diet and have completely different blood glucose levels. Aside from diet, other factors such as weight, lifestyle, and genes can determine how blood sugar is affected when people eat. A study had healthy individuals continuously monitor their blood sugar, and the results were fascinating. Even though these individuals were healthy and had normal blood sugar levels, certain foods would skyrocket their blood glucose. This discovery could be indicative that they may be at risk for developing diabetes in the future.

The great thing about this new technology that has come out is that it brings awareness to people. It allows people to see what is going on with their bodies and their blood sugar. These devices can help people prevent diabetes by making them aware of how certain foods affect their blood sugar. Approximately 88 million people in the world have pre-diabetes. 84% of those individuals don’t even know they have pre-diabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes. These devices are a game-changer as they allow people to see what is going on and what they are consuming. Many individuals think they are eating healthy and don’t realize all of the sugar they are eating.

Practice Pearls:

• Many companies are coming out with new devices that you wear around your arm that can be used to show how certain foods affect your glucose levels.
• Two individuals can have the same diet and still have different blood sugars because multiple factors affect this.
• Approximately 88 million people have pre-diabetes, and 84% of them are entirely oblivious to the fact.

Reference for “Using Technology to Make Better Dietary Choices”:
O’Connor, Anahad. “Can Technology Help Us Eat Better?” The New York Times, The New York Times, February 8, 2021.

Oluwatayo Ishola, PharmD. Candidate, South College, School of Pharmacy