Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Prediabetes

This research explores how wearable glucose monitors might help prevent type 2 diabetes in people at risk of developing the disease. Type 2 diabetes affects more than 1 in 10 Americans and costs the nation $327 billion annually. Even though it's clear that physical activity helps prevent diabetes, and that even small increases in daily movement (like walking or climbing stairs) can significantly lower risk, getting people to be more active remains challenging.

A device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) might offer a solution. This small wearable sensor tracks blood sugar levels throughout the day and sends the information to a phone or watch. While these devices are already helping people who have diabetes manage their condition better, the investigators want to study if wearing a CGM may encourage at-risk people to become more physically active. The investigators are particularly interested in seeing whether real-time blood sugar data plus education can be an effective tool to promote lifestyle changes, such as walk more steps every day.

The study also aims to examine whether using a CGM helps stabilize blood sugar levels in prediabetes. The researchers believe that even short-term use of these monitors could lead to increased physical activity and more stable blood sugar levels, potentially helping prevent diabetes development.