How Glucose Biosensors Can Help Reduce Post-Meal Spikes

Postprandial glucose excursions heavily contribute to the HbA1c value and may independently contribute to diabetes complications.¹ Glucose excursion minimization (GEM) interventions focus on lifestyle and the minimization of post-meal glycemic excursions in individuals living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) through a variety of methods. Methods include reducing sedentary time, increasing physical activity, reducing common highly refined carbohydrate foods, and monitoring glucose level feedback.²

The article “Glycemic excursion minimization in the management of type 2 diabetes: a novel intervention tested in a randomized clinical trial” by Daniel J. Cox and colleagues describes an intervention that was effective in reducing HbA1c levels, body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular risk, and carbohydrate intake. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to determine if minimizing glycemic excursions is as effective as weight loss in reducing HbA1c in adults with T2D.^2,3

GEM principles, once developed and tested, were incorporated with glucose biosensors. With the addition of glucose biosensing, the primary finding of improved HbA1c without increased hypoglycemia remained, and participants also experienced improvements in diabetes distress levels, diabetes knowledge level, and diabetes empowerment.^2,3

In a follow-up study, findings support the sustained physical, psychological, and behavioral benefits of GEM. It is stated that this may be especially applicable for primary care physicians as 90% of those living with T2D are managed by a primary care physician.⁴

This novel approach of reducing post-meal glucose excursions and the availability of Stelo, an over-the-counter glucose biosensor, led to the development of a series of videos designed to support glucose health. The 6-part video series, entitled “Your Journey with Stelo Towards Glucose Health,” is based on GEM data and aims to support individuals with the goal of lowering post-meal glucose levels.* Advice that was developed by certified diabetes care and education specialists is featured and accompanies examples of how to use Stelo by Dexcom. The series was written in consultation with Daniel J. Cox, PhD, and research partner Tamara Oser, MD.

The videos provide guidance concerning targeted lifestyle interventions to lower overall glucose levels and post-meal glucose spikes. The examples provided can assist clinicians in speaking to individuals about lowering post-meal glucose levels. Topics include:

1. "How Stelo helps you”
2. “Watch and learn”
3. “How to lower your post-meal glucose”
4. “How physical activity can affect your glucose”
5. “How sleep and stress can affect your glucose”
6. “Putting it all together”