You may have already noticed this round patch, which sticks to the arm, to control blood sugar. This medical device, which is an electronic sensor, allows diabetic people not to have to prick themselves several times a day, to control their blood sugar levels.
A diverted medical device to lose weight
Reserved for diabetic patients, these blood sugar sensors do not use it alone. Using a reader, they instantly reveal the blood sugar from the one who carries it. They allow patients to quickly adjust their treatment, without having to prick their fingertips, to collect a drop of blood and carry out a hair blood sugar.
But for a few months, this product has experienced a diversion from its use, widely popularized by social networks. Indeed, some influencers present them as slimming allies.
The phenomenon would have particularly exploded with the success of Jessie Inchauspé’s book, “Make your glucose revolution“. The influencer has indeed explained the glycemic monitoring that she performs on a daily basis – via this object, therefore – to control her weight.
Please note, this device is neither a toy nor a gadget!
“”There is no point in measuring your blood sugar level if you are not sick “ recalls Jean-François Thébaut, vice-president of the French Federation of Diabetics, interviewed by the Parisian.
Solicited, Dr Gérald Kierzek abounds in the same direction. “”The blood sugar sensors are small devices placed on the skin. They make it possible to continuously measure the level of glucose in the interstitial fluid and to anticipate variations throughout the day“He explains in the preamble.
Their role is clear, according to the doctor. “”These devices therefore allow the prevention of episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, better daily management of diabetes and a finer vision of the effectiveness of treatment “.
They are therefore intended, he insists, “Type 1 diabetics and certain type 2 patients under intensive insulin therapy or in difficulty of glycemic balance “. Apart from this medical framework, they have no use. More serious, they can even be dangerous.
Risky fashion, until undernutrition
And the danger is not trivial, warns Dr. Kierzek. “”In a non -diabetic person, diverting the use of these sensors has no demonstrated utility. This can even lead to erroneous interpretations and dangerous behavior“.
According to him, “False alerts can generate unnecessary stress, unjustified food restrictions or an inappropriate taking of drugs“.
Even more worrying, some unique schemes circulate on the market.
“The use of non -approved devices or non -invasive devices, such as some connected watches or rings, exposes to false data. In a diabetic, this may mask real hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, delay care and go to coma or death”.
Without detour, Dr. Gérald Kierzek therefore condemns the use of these devices, outside this framework. “The use of blood sugar sensors must remain strictly reserved for monitoring diabetes according to medical prescription. Otherwise, we take the risk of interpretation errors, unjustified medical interventions and even shortages for real diabetic patients”.