The Best Longevity Products for You
Reviews on supplements, biohacking tools, and longevity devices.
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CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS (CGMS)
Continuous glucose monitors used to be something only diabetics dealt with, but now they’ve caught on with regular health buffs too. You strap on this little sensor - usually on your arm or tucked on your belly - and it keeps an eye on the sugar floating in the fluid just under your skin, all day and night. Lately, companies are pitching these devices to non-diabetics, saying they can “optimize metabolism.” Basically, if you watch how your blood sugar reacts to various foods and activities, you might tweak your diet and routine to keep things more level, dodging those crazy spikes and drops.
You might wonder why a non-diabetic should worry about blood sugar swings. In most cases, large ups and downs or even consistently high levels can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, or even speed up aging. A lot of biohackers swear by these monitors to figure out which foods unexpectedly jolt their numbers. For instance, you might find that a so-called “healthy” cereal sends your sugar soaring, while another breakfast option keeps it steadier. Sometimes, a simple 10‑minute walk after dinner works wonders to cool that spike - something many have noticed happens. Ultimately, it’s about maximizing your “time in range,” which is just the percent of your day that your sugar stays in that comfy zone (roughly 70-140 mg/dL for non-diabetics), and for most, that’s around 90-97% of the time.
The upside of using a continuous glucose monitor really varies from one person to the next. Some folks uncover truly useful insights, while those already on a well-balanced diet might not see much they didn’t already expect. Sure, having one means you get a tiny filament inserted under your skin and it can be pricey - no sugarcoating that - but as prices drop and the tech spreads, these monitors could soon be a common tool for anyone curious about their metabolism. Personally, even testing one for just a few weeks might provide some surprising takeaways; you don’t have to stick with it forever - just long enough to see what your body is really doing with each meal and little daily activity.
CGMs
DEXCOM G6
The Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitoring system designed for people with diabetes. It provides real-time glucose readings every five minutes, without the need for fingersticks. The system includes a small sensor worn under the skin, a transmitter that sends data wirelessly, and a compatible smart device or receiver to display glucose levels. With customizable alerts and trend information, the Dexcom G6 helps users manage their blood sugar more effectively and confidently.
KEY FEATURES:
I've always found it amazing how devices like the Dexcom G6 make day-to-day diabetes management feel a bit less overwhelming. This system, which keeps a constant eye on blood sugar levels by taking readings roughly every five minutes around the clock, really puts you in touch with what’s happening in your body - whether you're glancing at your smartphone or checking a dedicated receiver. What really caught my attention was how it spares you from the endless cycle of fingerstick tests.
Instead of the usual hassle, it quietly handles the work, and it even lets you set up your own alerts; you can pick high signals, low signals, and even a special urgent low warning. I mean, having that kind of peace of mind, especially when things start to slip, is something I personally appreciate. You also get to watch the trends, which isn’t just about seeing numbers but understanding where your glucose is headed. And if you’re into sharing this information, the system allows up to ten people - say, family members or trusted caregivers - to keep up with your readings in real time, which can feel pretty reassuring.
There’s also the discrete sensor itself; worn under the skin, it lasts for up to ten days without fuss, and that long-lasting design really stands out. The device is pretty flexible overall - it jives with both iOS and Android phones, and if you prefer a standalone receiver, it’s got you covered there too. Interestingly, it’s been approved for use starting at age two, making it a versatile tool for both children and adults. And for those who use insulin delivery systems, it teams up nicely, even syncing with select automated setups like the Tandem t:slim X2 pump. Plus, the remote monitoring feature means your healthcare team or a caring friend can check in on your stats from afar - a feature that, in most cases, adds a nice extra layer of security. All in all, I think the Dexcom G6 mixes smart, user-friendly design with cutting-edge tech in a way that feels more personal and less clinical. Sure, there are plenty of technical details, but when you strip them down, it’s really all about making everyday management a little simpler and a lot more confident.
PROS:
Dexcom G6’s real-time glucose tracking really stands out - it spits out fresh readings roughly every five minutes without you having to stop and scan manually, which in my experience makes daily management feel a lot more effortless. I also love that it cuts out the whole fingerstick routine, both for getting calibration right and doing your regular checks; honestly, that’s a huge relief for many users. And then there’s the fact that it syncs with both iOS and Android, so you don’t have to bother with an extra receiver unless you’re into that sort of backup. On top of everything, you can share your glucose data with up to 10 people, letting family or caregivers keep an eye on your numbers remotely in real time - a feature that, I must say, seems genuinely thoughtful.
CONS:
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Sometimes the sensor just doesn’t stick well when you're really pushing yourself physically, sweating buckets, or caught in a hot, humid mess - so much so that you might end up grabbing extra adhesive patches just to keep it in place. I’ve noticed that while the Dexcom G6 can handle a quick shower thanks to its water-resistant build, it isn’t built for long swims or extended dunking, which might make it loosen or behave unpredictably if you're in the water too long. And then there’s the cost issue; without the backup of insurance or a national health system, the device along with its regular supplies can be pretty steep, which - if you ask me - makes it a tougher sell for many users.
MEDTRONIC GUARDIAN™ SENSOR 3
Medtronic’s Guardian™ Sensor 3 really stands out when you need a steady look at your blood sugar. We’ve seen it deliver near-real-time readings that can be a lifesaver for people managing Type 1 or even Type 2 diabetes, and honestly, it just feels more natural to check your levels every moment. Often, folks end up pairing it with an insulin pump - in most cases, this mix gives a fuller, more down-to-earth way to handle daily diabetes care.
KEY FEATURES:
Really precise readings - I've found the Guardian™ Sensor 3 to be quite trustworthy when it comes to showing your blood sugar levels, day or night. It seems to give solid, steady numbers without fuss.
Then there’s how it pairs up with Medtronic insulin pumps. I especially appreciate that this sensor weds itself seamlessly to the pumps, creating an almost automated insulin delivery system that can feel pretty personal and tuned to your own needs.
It runs for seven days each time, which might seem a bit short compared to some other choices out there, but in most cases it stays consistent throughout its week-long stint.
Another neat aspect is its instant data feature. It fires off real-time glucose updates straight to a device you use - letting you quickly react when things shift.
Lastly, on the calibration front, it isn’t as “set-and-forget” as a few other models; you have to do a fingerstick reading twice daily. Although that little extra step might seem annoying, I believe it really helps keep the readings on track.
PROS:
Guardian Sensor 3 really catches your eye because it meshes so naturally with Medtronic insulin pumps - set-up ends up being like a self-running loop that tweaks your insulin delivery automatically. I’ve noticed that its early warning alerts pop up before your blood sugar either climbs too high or dips too low; in most cases, that head start really helps cut down on those sudden, risky swings. Many users appreciate its rock-solid accuracy, since when you’re dealing with something as crucial as diabetes management, reliable numbers matter a lot. With real-time monitoring built in, you can jump in and adjust your insulin or even switch up your day-to-day habits on the fly, keeping everything snugly within your target range.
CONS:
The Medtronic Guardian Sensor 3 has a few quirks. For one, it makes you do fingerstick calibrations twice a day - a step that, while it does help keep things on track, ends up feeling like a real hassle compared to newer systems that just skip that bit entirely. I’ve noticed that it only lasts 7 days, too, so you end up having to change it more often than with systems that stick around for longer. Cost is another issue; the whole kit - sensor, insulin pump, and all the extra supplies - can be pretty steep, and depending on where you live, finding it outside the U.S. might be a challenge. Plus, some users have mentioned that wearing the sensor for long stretches sometimes irritates the skin, which could be a nuisance if you already have sensative skin.
ABBOTT FREESTYLE LIBRE
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre system is one of the most popular and affordable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems available today. It is especially favored by individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who are looking for a convenient, easy-to-use system to monitor their glucose levels without the need for frequent fingerstick tests. The FreeStyle Libre is designed to offer an affordable, simple, and less intrusive way to manage diabetes.
KEY FEATURES:
FreeStyle Libre brings a refreshing twist to glucose monitoring. Instead of bombarding you with nonstop updates like most systems, you actually decide when to check by scanning the sensor with a reader or your smartphone - generally speaking, it’s a neat option for folks who don’t want to deal with constant alerts. I’ve found this approach lets you manage your diabetes on your own terms, with a method that's less intrusive overall. One of the standout features is that the sensor typically lasts for up to 14 days, which means you'll replace it far less often and, in most cases, save money compared to other devices that require frequent changes.
It’s pretty convenient not having to deal with fingerstick calibration either; honestly, skipping that step makes daily management a lot easier. The sensor is water-resistant too - so you can shower, go for a swim, or even exercise without stressing about damage. Its design, which mixes simplicity with modern tech (the FreeStyle Libre app adds extra ease when sharing info with caregivers or doctors), really gives beginners and veterans alike a hassle-free experience.
I personally appreciate how this system seems to strike a balance between innovation and user comfort, even if it sometimes feels a bit unpredictably casual in its updates.
PROS:
Abbott FreeStyle Libre really stands out to me because it’s so budget-friendly - perfect if you’re juggling limited insurance or just watching your cash. What I especially like is that it doesn’t need any calbration at all; this no-fuss setup is a big relief for anyone tired of extra adjustments. Then there’s the 14‐day sensor life, which means you end up swapping sensors far less often and, in most cases, saving money over time. And honestly, being able to scan your glucose levels straight from your smartphone just makes it mesh effortlessly with everyday life.
CONS:
The FreeStyle Libre kinda stumbles by making you do a manual scan instead of keeping an eye on your levels nonstop. It doesn’t automatically shout out when your glucose is too high or too low - in many cases, that absence of instant warnings can really trip you up. Honestly, it also doesn’t play very nicely with insulin pumps, unlike Dexcom or Medtronic, which makes the whole setup feel a bit clunky. Overall, having to keep checking your readings by hand comes off as outdated, especially when every second might count.
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