10 Questions to Ask Your CGM Provider

If you want to lose weight and improve your metabolic health, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) may be just the tool you need. While CGMs are largely used by people with diabetes, more and more people without this condition are leveraging the power of CGMs to take back control of their health. Signos uses the power of AI, combined with science-backed tools and behavior modification prompts, to help you reach your health and weight loss goals. 

If you’re not familiar with CGMs, that’s okay! We’re breaking down the most commonly asked questions and things to remember before using one.

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1. Does Putting On a CGM Hurt?

When the sensor is applied correctly, most people experience little to no pain; most people report hardly noticing it. The filament is extremely tiny (about the size of a kitten’s whisker), so you will likely hardly feel it when you apply it. 

2. How Can a CGM Help Me Lose Weight?

A CGM measures the glucose in the interstitial fluids and estimates your blood sugar levels based on this measurement in real-time. It shows how different foods impact your body, which can help you make healthier choices. Additionally, it helps you understand the best time to exercise to optimize your blood sugar. Balancing your blood sugar is key to reaching and maintaining your goal weight.

3. What’s the Connection Between Blood Sugar and Weight Gain?

When you eat, your blood sugar rises, and your pancreas secretes insulin (the storage hormone) to shuttle glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. When you eat a healthy, balanced meal, insulin is released slowly. However, when you eat foods high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars, your blood sugar spikes quickly, and the pancreas will produce a surge of insulin. Over time, our cells become resistant to insulin. This, in turn, leads to elevated glucose and insulin in the bloodstream. These higher insulin levels lead to weight gain, as excess glucose is stored as fat. 

4. How Does a CGM Work?

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is an FDA-approved medical wearable device that tracks glucose levels. A CGM has three parts: a sensor that captures the glucose information, a transmitter that collects data from the sensor and sends it to a receiver, and a receiver or smartphone app that displays the data. The sensor has a microfilament that detects interstitial glucose levels in real-time. Your glucose can show how your body responds to different foods, movements, stress, sleep, and more.

5. Which CGM Does Signos Use and Why?

Signos currently uses the Dexcom G7. Compared to other CGMs, the Dexcom G7 offers continuous glucose data in real-time with no scanning required. With other CGMs, like FreeStyle Libre 2, you must manually scan the sensor with a compatible device or reader. With the Dexcom G7, you can get real-time data, as it’s continuously transmitted to your compatible device every five minutes. This means you don’t even have to manually scan your sensor.

6. Can I Get My CGM Sensor Wet? Do I Need to Take It off Before I Shower?

You can shower, exercise, and even swim with your sensor. It is designed to work in up to 8 feet of water. You can also use it in a hot tub if the temperature does not exceed 107.6°F. Live somewhere tropical? No worries- the sensor can function in up to 95% humidity.

7. What Does the Signos App Do?

Glucose Spike Notifications

We are firm believers that knowledge is power. Signos sends you alerts whenever your glucose spikes out of your optimal range, allowing you to take control of your health.  With this data in hand, you can go on a post-meal walk, do some jumping jacks, or bang out some squats and push-ups to bring your blood sugar down. If stress is the cause of the spike, you can bring your glucose back down with deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

Personalized Exercise Prompts

AI learns how your glucose responds to each workout you track. When your glucose spikes, our artificial intelligence predicts how hard and long you’ll need to work to bring down your glucose.

Predicted Glucose

Log the meal or food you plan to eat, and Signos’ powerful AI can predict your glucose response. This allows you to plan ahead of time and take the necessary steps to keep your blood sugar in check. 

Food Response Tracking

You can keep a running log of all the foods you regularly eat and track changes over time, which can help. 

Social Community

Meet other Signos-ians in the app. Swap your favorite recipes and workouts, start a challenge, and cheer each other on. Friendly support keeps you motivated.

8. What Phones Are Compatible?

iPhone

The Signos app is fully supported on all devices supporting iOS versions 15 and greater. However, to have the best experience with our product, we recommend updating your device to iOS 16+.

Android

We have a high degree of confidence that Android devices running Android 12+ from major manufacturers like Samsung and Google have the best compatibility with Signos.

9. What’s Included in a Subscription?

A Signos subscription includes a Signos kit, access to the Signos weight loss program through the Signos app, the cost of the devices, and a medical consultation for physician approval for the CGM. The Signos kit has a transmitter, sensors, performance covers, alcohol wipes, and a welcome booklet with information on downloading the app and applying your first sensor. The Signos weight loss program includes various activities, recommendations, and prompts to help you pick the best foods for you, learn the most beneficial times to exercise, get in tune with your hunger signals, learn how to manage stress, and more.

10. What’s the Process for Signing Up?

You can sign up here and complete our short quiz on our website. After submitting your email address, you’ll receive an email that confirms you signed up successfully. The next steps include an email welcoming you to complete the signup process. Once you’re signed up, you will receive a medical questionnaire. Based on your responses, the Signos medical professional will review your medical history to determine if you can safely use the Signos platform. 

If approved, Signos will automatically send your prescription to Signos’ pharmacy partner, and the kit will be shipped to the mailing address you provide. You’ll receive an email once your kit has shipped, which includes tracking information.

Learn How To Manage Blood Sugar Levels with Signos’ Expert Advice 

Managing blood sugar levels requires a holistic approach, and continuous glucose monitoring can be an incredibly valuable tool in your care. Signos’ CGM can help keep track of your blood sugar levels and give you insight into the impact of your food choices on your body. With a better understanding of your body’s needs, you can tailor your diet to fuel your best self. Knowledge is power, after all!

Want to learn more? Check out the Signos blog to learn more about nutrition, healthy habits, and how Signos can improve health. Find out if Signos is a good fit by taking a quick quiz!