My Experience with a CGM — and What It Taught Me About Fertility

After helping several of my clients with PCOS better understand their glucose patterns, I decided to test the Levels continuous glucose monitor (CGM) myself. I wanted to experience the setup, app, and troubleshooting firsthand so I could better coach my clients — and, honestly, I was curious about what my own data might show.

Why I Decided to Try a CGM

Even though my hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose have always been normal (and even my standard of normal- not the traditional definition), I’ve noticed that sometimes I feel awful after eating certain foods — shaky, nauseated, fatigued, and lightheaded. Simple things like eating an apple or a doughnut on an empty stomach left me feeling off or even ravenous. I started wondering if post-meal blood sugar spikes and drops were to blame.

So, I ordered a CGM to see what was really going on.

The Setup (and My Honest Thoughts)

When it arrived, I blocked off 30 minutes to install and sync the device with the app. I’ll admit, I hesitated for a second — I was nervous it might hurt — but it didn’t at all. The applicator makes a clicking sound that’s more startling than painful. The sensor itself is just a tiny filament (not a needle) that sits under your skin and sends your glucose readings to your phone every five minutes.

I applied it, went about my day, and immediately started learning.

What I Noticed Right Away

My first “test” was a glass of organic lemonade while out antiquing with my mom. This is not something I would normally drink TBD, but I was not feeling like a coffee and wanted something to sip on while enjoying a little adventure. Within 60 minutes, my glucose spiked to 137 mg/dL — higher than I expected from just a drink. Later that evening, after eating burritos with high fiber tortilla, ground meat, avocado, cheese, chips, and a couple of glasses of wine, I noticed my glucose stayed elevated for HOURS.

By the next day, when I went back to my usual meals (sourdough toast, eggs, avocado, and coffee), my glucose stabilized. This was my first real reminder: the body thrives on balanced meals with protein and fat — not naked carbs. I will be thinking again or making different decisions next time. I am usually a water, electrolyte powder added when needed, coffee and vino drinker. I don’t do a lot of sugar drinks.

Surprising Lessons I Learned

Stress plays a huge role.
One early morning I woke up startled by a sound. I could not tell what it was because I was half-asleep and I did not hear anything else as I laid in panic and deciding what to do. As typical anxiety ridden parents do, my first instinct was it must have been an earthquake. Before I had time to pop up- I heard pitter patter. The thud that woke me up was a kiddo hopping outta bed. My body literally reacted to stress as if I’d just consumed sugar. It was wild to see in real time.

If you live in chronic fight-or-flight mode — anxiety, poor sleep, or high stress — your glucose will fluctuate more. This matters because cortisol (your stress hormone) and insulin talk to each other constantly.

Movement changes everything.
On days I walked more — even just short walks between client sessions — my glucose stayed flatter all day, regardless of what I ate. Movement, not perfection, is the magic ingredient. Even though movement helps- it does not make up for bad habits. I was walking after the lemonade I mentioned earlier, so I wonder what it would have been like if I had not been moving.
Rice is not my friend (but everyone is different).
I noticed consistent spikes after eating rice, even when paired with protein or fiber. Cold or reheated rice didn’t make much difference. Everyone has unique glucose responses — this is why personalized tracking can be so eye-opening.
Water and sleep matter.
On days when I didn’t hydrate or slept poorly, my readings were higher overall. It’s a reminder that metabolism doesn’t exist in isolation — it’s part of a bigger stress-inflammation picture.

Why Glucose Matters for Fertility

Stable blood sugar isn’t just about preventing diabetes — it’s about reducing inflammation, improving egg and sperm quality, balancing hormones, and regulating ovulation.

High-sugar spikes followed by crashes can increase inflammation, disrupt hormone signaling, and lead to insulin resistance — a core issue in PCOS and an under-recognized factor in “unexplained infertility.”

Even if your hemoglobin A1c looks “normal,” you could still have hidden glucose swings that trigger inflammation, cravings, fatigue, and hormone imbalances. A CGM helps bring those patterns to light.

Who Should Consider a CGM

A CGM can be incredibly useful for:

Women with PCOS or insulin resistance
Those with unexplained infertility or chronic inflammation
People with borderline or prediabetic A1c results
Anyone who experiences energy crashes, irritability, or nausea after eating
Data-driven “body nerds” who want to personalize nutrition and optimize fertility health

You don’t have to wear one forever. Even a two-week experiment can give you valuable insights that guide how you eat, move, and manage stress.

My Takeaways and Next Steps

After a few weeks, I noticed I was naturally making better choices — pairing carbs with protein, eating breakfast instead of just coffee, walking after dinner, and keeping snacks balanced. The CGM didn’t make me obsessive; it made me empowered.

I now encourage my clients with fertility goals to consider short-term CGM use as part of a broader functional approach — especially if inflammation, insulin resistance, or unexplained symptoms are in the mix.

Ready to Try It?

If you’re curious about your glucose patterns, the Levels CGM is an incredible tool. You can [use my discount code] to get a couple of months free and start exploring your data.

Understanding your glucose doesn’t just support your long-term health — it can directly influence your hormones, ovulation, and fertility outcomes. Small, informed changes truly create big results.

My Experience with a CGM — and What It Taught Me About Fertility