In my last post, I talked about whether using a CGM for weight loss is the right option for you. But once you get past that question, there is another one that comes up pretty quickly:
Do you just want to buy a monitor and use its app, or do you want a program too?
This is where things can start to feel a little confusing.
A CGM gives you the sensor and an app that shows your glucose readings. But once you start looking at programs, you realize you are not just choosing a monitor anymore. You are also choosing how much support you want around that monitor.
Some people are perfectly fine using a CGM and app on their own. Others want more guidance. They want someone — or something — to help them know where to start, what to focus on first, and how to make sense of the patterns they are seeing.
They may want help figuring out why the scale is not moving even though their numbers look better. Or they may want someone to help them sort through what to try next instead of feeling like they have to guess.
That is where programs come in.
Affiliate Disclosure:This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only share products and programs I personally use or believe may be helpful. Read my full Affiliate Disclosure here.
Medical Note: This content is for educational purposes only and reflects my personal experience and research. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health decisions based on this information. Read my full Medical Disclaimer here.
What makes a CGM program different?
A CGM program adds another layer on top of the monitor and app.
That extra layer might include:
- structured guidance
- help interpreting your data
- meal tracking
- coaching or community
- suggestions based on your patterns
And this is why these options are not all the same.
Some programs are more app-driven. Some lean more toward human support. Some include the monitor, and some expect you to purchase your own.
Quick comparison of CGM programs
| Program | Monitor included? | Use your own CGM instead? | Type of Support |
| Signos | Yes– Stelo | No | AI-powered app insights, structured guidance, meal logging, community/support features |
| Nutrisense | Yes — Stelo | Yes | App insights, expert nutrition support, option for1:1 dietitian coaching |
| Levels | Yes – Stelo | Yes | App insights, with higher tiers adding labs, clinician review, AI insights and more support |
| Glucose Insider’s Academy | No — you purchase your own CGM monitor separately | Yes | Course-based CGM education, weekly live Zoom call and community support |
Signos: for people who want a more structured, app-based program
Signos is a good example of a program that bundles everything together.
It includes the CGM and an app that helps track patterns, food, and habits. The app is designed to learn from your data and give suggestions over time.
This may appeal to someone who wants more structure right from the start instead of trying to figure everything out on their own.
I’m using Signos myself, so this is one I can speak to more personally. What I like is that it gives you direction — you are not just staring at numbers wondering what they mean.
Nutrisense: for people who want more human support
Nutrisense seems to lean more into expert support.
They include a CGM but also offer access to nutrition professionals and the option for 1:1 dietitian coaching.
That may be a better fit for someone who really wants guidance from a real person — especially if you feel like you have tried a lot already and still are not sure what to change.
Levels: for flexibility and a broader health focus
Levels feels a little different because it gives you more flexibility.
You can use their included CGM or your own, and they offer different membership levels depending on how much support you want.
Some levels are more self-guided, while higher tiers include things like lab panels, clinician input, and more detailed insights.
This may appeal to someone who wants to look at overall metabolic health — not just weight loss — and likes having options.
Glucose Insider’s Academy: for education and real-life support
This one is different from the others.
Glucose Insider’s Academy does not include a monitor. Instead, it is a course that teaches you how to use a CGM monitor for weight loss — and then supports you along the way.
This is actually where I started.
The first time I used a CGM, I simply purchased a sensor and used the app on my own. I found it interesting, but I did not really know how to use the information to make meaningful changes.
The second time, I joined Glucose Insider’s Academy, and that is when things started to make more sense. I joined the course before I purchased a monitor.
Based on what I learned in the program, I decided to order Signos. The program teaches you how to use any monitor and apps, but Signos was one of the options recommended, which is why I chose it.
What I like about this program is that it does not just give you data — it helps you understand it.
And based on my experience, it is not just a course you go through once. There is:
- a weekly live chat
- a private Facebook group
- the ability to ask questions
- and even share your glucose graphs for feedback
That makes a big difference, especially in the beginning when you are still trying to figure things out.
If you’re someone who likes learning, asking questions, and having a place to go when something does not make sense, this kind of setup can feel really helpful.
If you’d like to learn more about the program, you can sign up here for a free masterclass.
If you decide you’d like to join, I also have a link that will give you a discount on the program.
These are affiliate links, which mean I may earn a commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you.
Watch the free masterclass here.
Join Glucose Insider’s Academy here.
Why price alone does not tell the whole story
It is really easy to look at these and think one is cheaper and one is more expensive.
But that does not tell you much unless you understand what is included.
Some include the monitor. Some do not.
Some are app-based. Some include coaching.
Some are more about education and community.
Also, pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the program.
Some programs offer different subscription tiers with varying levels of support. Others may offer a lower monthly cost if you commit to a longer time frame.
So, the better question is not:
“Which one costs less?”
It is:
“What kind of help do I actually want?”
Because that is really what you are choosing.
How to choose what is right for you
A few questions that may help:
- Do you want just the data, or help understanding it?
- Do you prefer app-based guidance or human support?
- Do you want everything bundled together, or are you okay piecing it together?
- Do you like learning on your own, or having a place to ask questions?
Another thing to think about is that you may not need the same level of support forever.
Some people may want a program at the beginning — just to have a starting point and some direction — and later feel comfortable using a monitor and app on their own.
My honest take
I do not think there is one right answer for everyone.
Some people will do just fine buying a CGM and using the app.
Others will feel much more confident having support, especially in the beginning.
I’m currently using Signos and Glucose Insider’s Academy, so those are the two I can speak to from experience.
I have not personally tried the others, and honestly, I did not know some of them existed until I started digging into this more.
That is why I wanted to write this.
Not to tell you what to choose — but to help you understand the differences so you can make the decision that fits you.
Bottom line
If you are thinking about using a CGM for weight loss, the real question is:
Do you want to just buy a monitor and use the app, or do you want help turning that information into action?
That is really what separates these options.
And for a lot of people, that extra layer of support can make all the difference.
I’d love to hear from you — are you more comfortable starting with just a CGM and app, or would you prefer having a program to guide you? Drop a comment below.