Top CGM Metrics Fitness Professionals Should Track

Written By The Additive Space

As a fitness professional working with clients managing Diabetes, understanding and utilizing Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) data can enhance your ability to create personalized, effective workout plans. By focusing on key metrics like time-in-range, glucose trends, and variability, you can help clients achieve optimal health outcomes while safely navigating their fitness journeys. Here's what these metrics mean and how they apply to fitness coaching:

1. Time-in-Range (TIR)

Time-in-range refers to the percentage of time a person’s blood glucose levels stay within their target range, which is typically between 70 and 180 mg/dL for most individuals. For fitness professionals, monitoring TIR is crucial because consistent glucose levels within this range can lead to better energy management during workouts.

Application in Training:

  • If a client’s TIR frequently dips below range, they may experience hypoglycemia during or after exercise. Plan sessions to include glucose checks and adjustments to prevent this.

  • Celebrate increases in TIR as an indicator of improved metabolic health through tailored exercise regimens.

2. Glucose Trends

CGMs display real-time glucose trends, showing whether glucose levels are rising, falling, or stable. These trends are particularly valuable for planning exercise timing and intensity.

Application in Training:

  • A rising glucose trend might indicate a recent meal, suggesting that moderate-intensity exercise could help utilize glucose effectively.

  • A downward trend may signal a need to pause or consume a snack to avoid a hypoglycemic episode during prolonged activity.

3. Glucose Variability

Glucose variability measures the degree of fluctuation in blood sugar levels. Lower variability is associated with better overall glucose control and reduced risk of complications.

Application in Training:

  • High variability could mean a client’s workout routine or diet needs adjustment. For example, incorporating low-impact exercise like yoga or walking may help stabilize glucose levels.

  • Tracking variability over weeks or months allows you to assess the long-term impact of your training programs on your client’s metabolic health.

Why These Metrics Matter for Fitness Coaching

CGMs provide a unique window into how your clients' bodies respond to exercise, nutrition, and recovery. By tracking and interpreting these metrics:

  • You can adjust workouts in real time to optimize energy levels and safety.

  • You’ll build trust with clients by showing them measurable progress tied to their fitness efforts.

  • You'll stand out as a data-driven professional who delivers results grounded in science.

Empowering Clients Through CGM Insights

Educating clients on these metrics improves their health outcomes and fosters a sense of ownership and confidence in managing their Diabetes. By integrating CGM data into fitness coaching, you can create a customized experience that transforms lives.

Start tracking smarter today, and watch your clients achieve their fitness goals with confidence and control!

The Additive Space

IDEAS ARE OUR PASSION…FUELED BY COFFEE + TRAVEL

Our ideas come from a variety of places, but mostly extensive travel and too many coffee shops too count! ;)

We pull experience from our degrees; BS Mechanical Engineering, MSc BioEngineering with a focus in Medical Device Design, BS Civil Engineering, and MS Mechanical Engineering with a focus in High Speed Fluid Dynamics.

Our team's work experience spans international borders and includes; research anchored in cardiovascular pathology and medical device design, component research and design for liquid propulsion systems, liquid propulsion component testing, liquid propulsion systems testing, and work with the International Space Station.

With engineering backgrounds, years of practice and a passion for design, we have what it takes to help develop and foster your ideas.

AMANDA DAVIS

Amanda previously worked as a Certified Operations Controller for the International Space Station (ISS) at NASA's Payload Operations Integration Center. During this time, she oversaw biotechnology-based experiments and payloads operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the ISS. These included, but were not limited to, cardiovascular and stem cell growth and manipulation in zero-gravity space environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on transportation and structures and over 6 years of experience in this field.

TRAVIS DAVIS

Travis began his professional career as a wildland firefighter team lead in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years of experience at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center as an award-winning Liquid Propulsion Design and Test Engineer. He specialized in utilizing metal, polymer and resin additive manufacturing while at NASA and holds NASA patents in that field. After being chosen as a George J. Mitchell Scholar, he earned a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Trinity College Dublin, with a focus on Medical Device Design and earned his Private Pilot license during his time at NASA.

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