Any of this sound familiar?  You wake up feeling groggy, hit an energy slump by 2 p.m., and/or crash hard after dinner.  What if the answer wasn’t another cup of coffee or a trendy supplement – but something hidden in your body’s own feedback system—your glucose levels? Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are like the decoders to your health, giving real-time insight into how your body responds to food, exercise, stress, and sleep.

But with so many options out there, which CGM app should you choose? Today, we’re breaking down Nutrisense, Levels, and Lingo to help you find your perfect match.

Why Glucose and Insulin Are Key to Your Energy

Here’s the low-down. When you eat, your body converts carbohydrates into glucose, a form of sugar that fuels your muscle cell function. This is where the hormone insulin comes in—it’s like a key that unlocks your muscle cells, pulling glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cell to fuel its function. 

But here’s the kicker: when your glucose levels spike too high (think sugary snacks or heavy carb meals), your body has to release a surge of insulin to push glucose out of the blood and bring levels back down. It’s this rapid rise and fall that can leave you feeling exhausted, cranky, and craving more sugar.

On the flip side, stable glucose levels mean steady energy, fewer crashes, and better overall performance. Tracking your glucose allows you to identify foods or habits that cause spikes and dips, empowering you to make adjustments that keep your energy smooth and sustainable. It’s not just about avoiding the crash; it’s about unlocking your full energetic potential.

Nutrisense: Your Personal Wellness Concierge

If you’re the type who likes hand-holding when it comes to health, Nutrisense is your dream CGM. Think of it as a health concierge that doesn’t just tell you what’s happening in your body but also why.

What People Love

• Personalized Coaching: Every Nutrisense subscription comes with access to a registered dietitian who analyzes your data and offers tailored advice. Users rave about how this feature bridges the gap between raw numbers and actionable steps.
• Holistic Insights: Beyond glucose tracking, the app monitors sleep, stress, and activity, (via it’s integration with Apple Health) giving you a 360-degree view of your health.

What They Don’t Love

• Sticker Shock: At $299/month, Nutrisense is a serious investment. While the dietitian support might be worth it, the price tag is not for the faint of heart.
• Info Overload: With great power comes great responsibility—or in this case, a lot of data. Some users feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information.

Levels: The Data Geek’s Playground

For the self-starters and biohackers, Levels takes a “teach a person to fish” approach. It’s all about giving you the tools to see trends, analyze patterns, and take action.

What People Love

• Sleek Design: The Levels app is a masterclass in UX. It’s intuitive, polished, and a joy to use. If you’re an aesthetics snob, you’ll love it.
• Real-Time Feedback: The app connects your glucose data to your lifestyle choices. Did your morning workout flatten your glucose curve? Did last night’s pasta dinner send it sky-high? Levels lets you know.

What They Don’t Love

• DIY Analysis: Levels doesn’t include personalized coaching. If you’re not a self-starter or don’t feel like Googling terms like “glucose variability,” you might feel a bit lost.
• Cost Adds Up: At $193 for a sensor pack plus an yearly app subscription of $199, it’s also not cheap—and a bit elusive on true costs.

Lingo by Abbott: The Budget-Friendly Trailblazer

Lingo is like the approachable friend who makes health trends feel doable. Designed by Abbott, the maker of FreeStyle Libre, this CGM is all about keeping things simple and affordable.

What People Love

• Affordability: Starting at $89/month, Lingo is the most budget-friendly option, making CGM tracking accessible to more people.
• Straightforward Features: It’s great for beginners who want to dip their toes into the world of glucose tracking without getting overwhelmed.
• Trusted Technology: Built by CGM manufacturer Abbott, Lingo is backed by years of expertise in CGM technology.

What They Don’t Love

• No Bells and Whistles: While simplicity can be a win, some users miss the deeper insights and advanced analytics offered by Nutrisense and Levels.
• Limited Compatibility: Lingo’s app is currently only available for iPhone users, leaving Android fans out in the cold.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s the bottom line:

• If you want personalized coaching and are ready to splurge, Nutrisense is your MVP.
• If you love autonomy and geek out over data, Levels is your jam.
• If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to get started, Lingo is your go-to.

Tips: 

• If you want to dive deep into great glucose content check out @glucosegoddess on instagram. 
• One of our patient’s husband’s business makes adhesive skin grips to help hold the CGMs in place over the course of it’s 2 week life on your body. Check it! Skingrip.com
• If you are looking to monitor your glucose as a tool to manage your PCOS fertility journey, book an appointment with us at Aphrodite Fertility (in person, or virtual). We’ll pull together all the pieces of the puzzle to get you to your healthy happy pregnancy.