- Signos utilizes continuous glucose monitors, known as CGMs, in conjunction with an AI-powered application to assist individuals in gaining a better comprehension of their metabolic processes.
- The platform educates users on how their daily routines such as diet, hydration, exercise, stress, and sleep impact their blood sugar levels.
- When signing up for Signos, customers can select from a one-month, three-month, or six-month subscription plan. Opting for the six-month plan entails a monthly fee of $179.
- I decided to explore the platform for 30 days to uncover valuable insights.
The significance of exercise, sleep, and the consumption of vegetables for one’s health is a well-known fact. However, these principles resonated more profoundly with me this winter as I delved into a metabolic health platform provided by the startup Signos. Essentially, Signos offers a subscription service inclusive of a compact CGM that is affixed to either the arm or abdomen to relay data to the Signos app. This app, in turn, aims to aid in weight loss by monitoring blood sugar levels.
The subscription cost varies based on the chosen plan. While a one-month plan starts at \(449, a six-month plan commences at approximately \)143 per month if paid in advance. Services like these, traditionally targeted at diabetics, are poised to create a new revenue stream for health companies. For instance, Dexcom recently obtained FDA clearance for its over-the-counter Stelo product, slated for a summer launch. Concurrently, Signos competes with other firms like NutriSense, Veri, and Levels.
Intrigued by understanding the functionality of these glucose monitors firsthand, I decided to trial Signos’ latest system, which incorporates a Dexcom G7 monitor. Here is an account of my discoveries.
Signos
Established in 2018, Signos leverages CGMs and an AI-powered app to facilitate a better understanding of individuals’ metabolisms. The company furnishes users with personalized insights into how their bodies react to specific foods and the optimal timing for exercise to achieve favorable outcomes in weight management.
Glucose, a form of sugar derived from food, serves as the body’s primary energy source. A CGM, a diminutive sensor inserted under the skin, monitors an individual’s blood glucose levels in real-time. Typically worn on the upper arm or abdomen, the sensor wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone.
While CGMs are predominantly utilized by individuals with diabetes to receive timely alerts in emergency situations, Signos’ CGM system caters to the general consumer demographic and is not intended for diabetes management. Other companies like Abbott Laboratories are also introducing consumer-oriented CGM systems in the U.S. this year.
Signos’ platform elucidates for users the impact of their daily routines, including diet, hydration, exercise, stress, and sleep, on glucose levels and potential spikes.
Glucose spikes occur when there is a rapid surge in the sugar content in the bloodstream, often post-meal consumption. Short-term spikes can induce sensations of fatigue and lethargy, while prolonged elevated blood sugar levels can lead to severe health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney ailments, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Given the variability in individuals’ glucose levels, fluctuations in levels are inevitable. Signos endeavors to assist individuals in mitigating the intensity and frequency of these spikes. The company asserts that maintaining relatively stable glucose levels can enhance metabolic health, aid in weight loss, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Initial Setup
Commencing with Signos necessitated completing a brief questionnaire soliciting basic biological information and medical history details. Subsequently, my CGM prescription underwent approval following the submission of my responses for review by an independent physician, and the shipment processing commenced shortly thereafter.
Within a couple of days, I received my kit enclosed in a brown Signos box. The kit encompassed an instruction manual, CGMs, alcohol wipes, and athletic patches for application over the CGM. Following the manual’s instructions, I downloaded the Signos app and proceeded to create accounts with Signos and the CGM manufacturer, Dexcom.
While Dexcom manufactures the CGMs employed by Signos, Dexcom’s products are exclusively tailored for diagnosed diabetes patients. Signos utilizes Dexcom’s CGMs as part of a clinical study endorsed by an institutional review board sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sharam Fouladgar-Mercer, Signos’ co-founder and CEO, disclosed to CNBC in October that Dexcom Ventures is also an investor in Signos, participating in the $20 million funding round announced by Signos last autumn.
Signos’ platform is compatible with Dexcom’s G6 CGM as well as the newer G7 CGM. My trial involved the utilization of the G7, introduced by Signos in January. The G6 and G7 sensors have a lifespan of 10 days, and I utilized three G7 sensors throughout my trial.
Upon setting up my accounts, the next step entailed applying the initial sensor, a process that initially instilled some apprehension in me.
Although I generally do not have an aversion to needles, I tend to avert my gaze when receiving injections at the doctor’s office. The CGM’s needle, albeit small—resembling the extension of a mechanical pencil—did not evoke excitement in me regarding its insertion into my arm.
To my relief, the sensor application proved to be straightforward and painless.
The Signos app guided me through each step, featuring a concise instructional video and a sequence of GIFs for visual reference. Following the cleaning of the back of my left arm with an alcohol wipe, I positioned the applicator, pressed its button, and affixed the CGM, needle included, onto my arm. The G7, white in color and about the size of a quarter, with a thickness of approximately half an inch, was now in place.
Pairing the CGM with the Signos app entailed activating Bluetooth and scanning the corresponding QR code on the applicator. Subsequent to the successful pairing of the CGM with my app, I secured the sensor with a purple athletic patch to safeguard it against tugging, sweat, and moisture.
Approximately 30 minutes were required for the sensor to acclimate to my body before becoming fully operational.
Positive Aspects
Concerns regarding potential discomfort or inconvenience associated with the CGM were assuaged as I acclimatized to wearing it, often forgetting about its presence. Attire, including garments with snug sleeves, could be worn over the CGM without hindrance.
For a brief period, I experienced sensitivity, particularly when lying on my left side, following the sensor replacement. My upper arm exhibited a mild tenderness akin to that of a minor bruise. Opting to consistently apply the CGM on the same spot on my left arm likely contributed to this sensitivity; alternating between the left and right arms might have mitigated this issue.
Unfamiliar with interpreting glucose data, I found the Signos platform adept at elucidating concepts and simplifying complex information. The app guided me through a series of succinct articles and activities at the outset, such as meal and exercise logging.
Introduction to the concept of the “optimal glucose range,” emphasizing the target range for glucose levels, was particularly enlightening. Signos initially set the upper boundary of this range at 120 mg/dL and the lower boundary at 80 mg/dL, with subsequent adjustments made by the app’s algorithm based on individual patterns. My upper limit was eventually revised to 126 mg/dL, illustrating the personalized nature of the platform.
The Signos homepage displays real-time glucose readings, a graphical representation of glucose levels (inclusive of a shaded area denoting the optimal range), and the daily percentage of time spent within the target range. This feature could prove beneficial for individuals at risk of prediabetes seeking to monitor their levels over time.
Upon grasping the fundamentals, Signos prompted me with additional activities and articles to foster experimentation and deepen my comprehension of blood sugar management. For instance, one activity encouraged immediate post-meal exercise, a practice that notably mitigated the spike in glucose levels I was experiencing.
Another activity entailed predicting my glucose levels at various intervals throughout the day. I swiftly discerned the correlation between my physiological state and the corresponding glucose reading. While participation in these activities was optional, I found them engaging and informative on the whole.
Signos boasts a team of registered dieticians accessible for user queries via chat, email, or telephonic consultations. Following my first week with the CGM, I arranged a consultation, which proved immensely beneficial. I sought clarification on my data and the app’s functionality, receiving valuable insights and recommendations for future actions.
The personalized nature of the Signos experience surpassed my expectations, offering unparalleled insight into my physiological responses. Observing my body’s reactions to different foods was engrossing, with several revelations emerging.
For instance, my consumption of instant oatmeal for breakfast, a habitual practice, consistently elicited a significant glucose spike. On a specific occasion, oatmeal elevated my levels from 88 mg/dL to 167 mg/dL. While oatmeal may suit some individuals as a nutritious breakfast choice, it emerged as less ideal for my metabolic response.
The reactions to various other foods were less surprising but nonetheless reinforced by data analysis. Processed foods like chips and confectioneries elicited substantial spikes, whereas fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich meals exerted a more gradual influence. Notably, snacking on Greek yogurt, a frequent practice, minimally impacted my glucose levels.
Witnessing my body’s response to wholesome foods underscored the importance of informed dietary choices and heightened my awareness of nutritional decisions.
Elevations in blood sugar levels are not solely attributed to dietary factors, a revelation that broadened my perspective. Beyond meal logging and exercise tracking, the Signos app incorporates a “Tags” feature enabling users to denote potential spike-inducing factors from a diverse list of over 60 options. Stress, travel, medication, illness, emotional distress, and even hot showers are among the selectable culprits.
I discerned that my glucose levels tended to rise during periods of intense focus, such as when drafting breaking news stories. Moreover, my time spent within the optimal range diminished when fatigued. Reflecting on these instances underscored the impact of various external factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, on blood sugar levels.
Visualizing the multifaceted influences on blood sugar levels was enlightening, emphasizing the interconnectedness between individual well-being and environmental stimuli. This holistic perspective underscores the profound impact of external elements on metabolic health.
Moreover, the CGM served as a conversation starter, eliciting curiosity and interest from acquaintances and peers. Its novelty and relative rarity among the general populace sparked engaging discussions on health and technological advancements.
Removing the CGM upon expiration was a hassle-free process. Following the ten-day lifespan, the sensor could be effortlessly detached by peeling off the adhesive akin to a sticker.
Areas for Improvement
While Signos’ user interface proved user-friendly, certain features warranted enhanced intuitiveness.
Accurately inputting sleep data posed an initial challenge, requiring a few days to grasp the process. Similarly, determining the optimal level of detail for meal logging proved ambiguous, with my entries often limited to a few words. Enhanced guidance in this aspect could have facilitated more nuanced insights and refined algorithmic adjustments.
Engaging with platform alerts and activities, particularly during work hours, posed logistical challenges. Following meals, I frequently received “Fast Rise” notifications on the app, signaling glucose spikes and recommending brisk walking or high-intensity exercises to counteract the surge. Given my on-site work commitments, adhering to these suggestions was often impractical.
Upon discussing this issue with the Signos dietitian during our consultation, I learned that any form of movement, even a brief stroll up or down a flight of stairs, could be beneficial. While I endeavored to incorporate these movements during my workday, upfront guidance on alternative strategies would have been advantageous.
Subscription costs for Signos are relatively high, with many users encountering challenges in securing insurance coverage for CGMs. Opting for Signos entails selecting from one-month, three-month, or six-month plans.
The substantial financial investment warrants consideration. According to Signos’ website, individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may qualify for CGM coverage through their insurer. However, non-diabetic users may face hurdles in securing coverage.
Signos indicated that Health Savings Account reimbursement funds could potentially offset platform costs, albeit with users assuming responsibility for reimbursement logistics.
Frequent monitoring of the Signos app, akin to a social media platform, raised some concerns.
Having maintained a positive relationship with food and possessing minimal health-related anxieties, I remained cautious of my mental outlook and approach toward the Signos platform. I viewed Signos as an educational tool, striving to avoid fixating excessively on numerical data.
While this approach served me well, occasional feelings of guilt following significant spikes underscored the potential psychological implications of continuous monitoring. Individuals grappling with body image issues or eating disorders may find the platform detrimental to their mental well-being.
Signos requires prospective members to disclose their medical history, including any history of disordered eating, during the initial assessment. Individuals actively struggling with or in recovery from eating disorders are ineligible for participation in the Signos program, as per company policy.
Signos refrains from advocating for specific dietary practices, offering access to metabolic health coaches for user consultations. Trusting one’s judgment and seeking medical advice to evaluate the suitability of CGM technology are crucial considerations.
Concluding Remarks
The Signos experience is contingent upon user engagement and commitment.
The app serves as a tool for learning and lifestyle modification, necessitating active participation in meal logging and activity completion to derive optimal benefits. Despite initial uncertainties as a young and healthy individual, my Signos trial yielded profound insights into my body’s responses to dietary choices, sleep patterns, physical exertion, and stress levels. The CGM provided a unique glimpse into internal physiological processes, underscoring its value as an invaluable resource. After a mere month of utilization, my comprehension of fatigue, alertness, and lethargy has significantly deepened.
Considering the personalized nature of the platform, I anticipate revisiting CGM systems at various life stages to enhance my understanding of nutritional impacts and environmental influences.
