Should Healthy People Track Glucose?

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have moved into the general wellness space, promising more health data. But it may be wise to use caution. Healthy bodies have natural, non-harmful blood sugar spikes after meals, and misinterpreting these metrics can cause serious anxiety. Lab work is still required for any official diagnosis.

Is the effective path to healthspan in another complex gadget? No. It's in the fundamentals: nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management.

The bottom line: knowledge is power.

To take charge of your health, you must first learn what you can and can't control. You can't change your age or genetics, but you have incredible control over your lifestyle - which impacts gene expression and disease susceptibility. You are your own best advocate.

Start learning and mastering the foundational inputs that matter most:

• Individual Behaviors: Personal lifestyle choices can significantly impact health outcomes. A balanced diet with essential nutrients, hydration, and mindful eating are crucial. Regular exercise strengthens the body, improves mental health, and helps manage weight. Sleep and rest are essential for the body to repair and rejuvenate. Effectively managing stress through relaxation techniques can mitigate its negative health impacts.

• Physical Environment: The conditions in which people live and work, such as safe water, clean air, healthy workplaces, and safe housing, all contribute to good health.

• Community Connection: Community provides social, emotional, and physical support that improves both mental and physical well-being. A sense of community is linked to longer life and better health outcomes by promoting healthy behaviors, providing a support system for stress, and improving access to resources like healthy food, healthcare, and recreational activities.

This focus on building a stronger foundation is exactly what my new book, Young at Any Age: How to Feel Younger, Longer, is all about. It provides the definitive blueprint for vitality.