Dr Penny Figtree graduated from the University of Sydney in 1993 with first class honours. With over 20 years in general practice she has now decided to focus on weight loss and diabetes.
This decision was made after seeing the power of a low carbohydrate diet to help people lose weight and for some to even reverse diabetes. Dr Figtree had previously tried to help patients using various diets such as low fat diets, Optifast, the 5:2 fast but nothing really worked. In the end she would just say “as long as you are not gaining weight then that’s great”. Then Dr. Figtree read a book called “Always Hungry” By Professor David Ludwig where he explained the INSULIN CARBOHYDRATE MODEL OF OBESITY.
Dr. Figtree has now been practising low carb medicine for several years. She describes this as the most rewarding part of her career, stopping medications and patients feeling well.
Summarizer
Dr. Penny Figtree discusses the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in healthy individuals, emphasizing their benefits and addressing concerns about their use. She explains how CGMs provide real-time glucose data, helps in understanding metabolic health, and might reveal undiagnosed conditions. The talk also touches on the controversies surrounding CGM use and practical advice for interpreting glucose readings.
Key Points
Introduction to Continuous Glucose Monitors
Dr. Figtree introduces continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), specifically the Freestyle Libre and Dexcom G6, highlighting how they measure blood glucose levels in real-time, providing valuable information for individuals to understand their metabolic health.
Controversy Over CGMs in Healthy Individuals
The use of CGMs in healthy people has sparked debate, with some experts arguing there is insufficient data to endorse their use outside of diabetic care. Dr. Figtree encourages individuals to consider CGMs as tools for gaining insights into their blood sugar responses and overall health.
Setting Up Alarm Parameters
Dr. Figtree advises users to set custom limits in the CGM app to avoid unnecessary alarm reactions. She explains the differences between sensor readings and blood glucose measurements, emphasizing not to panic over minor fluctuations.
Understanding Glucose Variations
The speaker explains that normal glucose responses can vary with exercise, food intake, and other factors. Healthy individuals usually maintain glucose levels below 7.8 mmol/L, but it's normal for levels to fluctuate occasionally.
Reactive Hypoglycemia Insights
Dr. Figtree discusses reactive hypoglycemia, where blood sugar drops significantly post-meal, often causing discomfort. She shares her experience with dietary changes and suggests increasing protein intake to mitigate this issue.
Dawn Phenomenon in Healthy Individuals
The early morning increase in glucose levels, known as the 'dawn phenomenon,' is explained as a natural hormonal response that can influence glucose readings in both diabetics and healthy individuals.
Potential Benefits of Using CGMs
Recent studies suggest that healthy adults may benefit from CGMs to monitor their glucose responses to various foods, which can help in identifying patterns and reducing risks associated with glucose variability.
Conclusion on CGM Usage
Dr. Figtree concludes that while CGMs can be beneficial for healthy individuals, it is essential to interpret the data appropriately and understand personal metabolic responses.