Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are increasingly popular among people without diabetes, but a recent review found no scientific evidence that they improve health or prevent disease in healthy individuals. The review, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine on August 4, 2026, analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials involving 1,200 participants without diabetes.
The researchers found that using CGMs did not lead to significant improvements in blood sugar control, weight loss, or cardiovascular risk factors compared to standard care. The devices did help some users reduce glucose spikes after meals, but this did not translate into measurable health benefits over the study periods, which ranged from 4 to 12 weeks.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, lead author of the review, said, "While CGMs can be useful for people with diabetes, there is no evidence that they provide health benefits for those without the condition. The devices may lead to unnecessary anxiety and cost." The review also noted that CGMs are not approved by the FDA for use in non-diabetics, and their accuracy in this population can vary.
Experts recommend that healthy individuals focus on established lifestyle measures like a balanced diet and regular exercise rather than relying on CGMs. The findings highlight the need for more research to determine if any subgroups of non-diabetics might benefit from CGM use.
