The Glucose Edition

On blood sugar, monitoring, and the future of health

Colin here. I wrote in detail about how my Oura ring was a game-changer for me. When I could examine the underlying factors that were contributing to sleep, I was able to make adjustments and also prioritize accordingly. These are all things that I should have known, but there was something about actually seeing the data that made it super actionable and applied to me. 

My next experiment is with a CGM or continuous glucose monitor. There has been a spate of interesting startups around the space, which pair the monitor—which is applied to the upper arm—and an app. You get a reading of your blood glucose levels at that very moment which is useful for diabetics or others trying to control their blood sugar levels. While I have slightly elevated blood sugar, for me it is more of an experiment. I’m using the app Levels to wear the device for a few weeks and see what I can learn. The app has a simple dashboard and also integrates a lot of information about blood sugar management and how other factors like stress can factor in. 

Source: The Verge

Why is this interesting? 

The results so far have been revelatory, and have been helping me figure out bad eating habits or the hidden foods or behaviors that elevate blood sugar levels. For example, I never knew that the habitual half & half in the coffee can cause a spike. It has reinforced to me that the balanced meals we learn about in school are actually important: when carbs, protein, and fats are eaten together it has an effect that slows sugar or carbs absorption, making it easier on your blood sugar. It also helps me understand my fasted glucose, which is the baseline level after twelve-to-16 hours of not eating. 

What has been meaningful to me is that when we get our doctor’s blood test, we get a snapshot in time. And then we move on. This device allows me to understand the glycemic variability (e.g. how the levels surge or normalize over time). It is like looking at a stock market ticker as opposed to a signpost. 

According to the Levels blog: 

Understanding those oscillations is essential, though, because glycemic variability—the amount by which our blood glucose goes up and down throughout the day—is independently associated with poor health outcomes. Extensive evidence links glucose variability to cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes, mediated by the processes of oxidative stress and protein glycation.

I’m also getting data on what foods work for me and which are no-go. I never thought grapes would cause such a spike, for example. And, while in the past, I might notice mood or energy fluctuations in an internal, ambient way after eating certain foods, now I can see a tangible link between a handful of M&Ms and my feelings afterward. I am not a saint when it comes to a perfect diet, but the data and depth of understanding that the monitor has given me ultimately leads to behavior change and better outcomes, as it did with my Oura ring and sleep. Even when my time wearing the monitor is over, I have a feeling that the knowledge will stay. (CJN)

Favor of the Day:

Hi all, Noah here. We’ve just launched a fun new project over at my company, Variance, and I would appreciate your support. Our PLG Index charts the top product-led growth companies in software. Today we added a public companies version you can now peruse. 

All of that gets me to the ask: if you’re a fan of the project (or are just up for a favor), check us out and upvote on Product Hunt. Thanks so much.

—

WITI x McKinsey:

An ongoing partnership where we highlight interesting McKinsey research, writing, and data.

Creating value in the net-zero transition. As more institutions step up in their commitments to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases, new business opportunities are emerging. Explore how decarbonization is transforming portfolios, operations, supply chains, and the economy at large. Now’s the time for bold moves; a new article can help companies to spot green growth opportunities and take action.

–-

Thanks for reading,

Noah (NRB) & Colin (CJN)

—

Why is this interesting? is a daily email from Noah Brier & Colin Nagy (and friends!) about interesting things. If you’ve enjoyed this edition, please consider forwarding it to a friend. If you’re reading it for the first time, consider subscribing (it’s free!).