The expanding availability of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) has generated growing interest in their application beyond diabetes management, particularly in healthy individuals seeking to optimize metabolic health through personalized nutrition. A multidisciplinary expert workshop convened by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) in May 2025 examined the scientific, methodological, and clinical considerations surrounding CGM application in healthy populations.
Discussions during the workshop addressed normal glycemic physiology, determinants of postprandial glycemic responses (PPGRs), CGM use, and functional health outcomes. The aim was to develop a perspective paper that synthesizes current evidence and provides guidance on these key considerations to inform responsible research, clinical interpretation, and future policy related to CGM use in populations without diabetes mellitus.
Evidence discussed during the workshop underscored substantial inter- and intra-individual variability in PPGRs, driven by complex interactions among dietary composition, lifestyle behaviors, and physiological characteristics. CGMs offer the ability to capture these dynamics under real-world conditions, potentially helping to identify meaningful individual differences. PPGRs are increasingly recognized as sensitive markers of early disturbances in glucose regulation.
However, important limitations constrain the interpretation of CGM data in healthy populations. These include:
- Analytical variability
- Limited precision for single-meal or acute assessments
- Lack of standardized research protocols and consensus guidance
- Insufficient evidence linking CGM-derived metrics to long-term clinical outcomes
High-quality randomized controlled trials, standardized protocols, and consensus guidance are needed to determine the clinical relevance of CGM use in healthy populations. Until such evidence is established, CGM use outside of diabetes management should be approached with caution.
What this study does not show
This study does not provide evidence that CGM use in healthy populations leads to improved long-term health outcomes.
Evidence scorecard
- Analytic validity: Not established
- Clinical validity: Not established
- Clinical utility: Not established
The evidence class is primary_research with human status unclassified.