We need the government to protect us from all the monsters out there who would otherwise monitor their blood sugar with impunity.

I am getting a lot of advertisements for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) on my social media platforms. This latest series of ads - from multiple manufacturers - is making the case that CGM is good, not just for diabetics, but for athletes and people who want to age well. The latest technology integrates with Apple Health and Garmin Connect platforms, so that you can monitor your blood sugar as you exercise. In fact, studies indicate that CGM technology can actually influence the outcome of a bicycle race, so it's been banned from professional cycling.

There's only one problem here. CGM is illegal in the United States without a prescription! That's right, there's a device that is clinically proven to improve athleticism and general health outcomes, and help you live longer, but the FDA won't allow you to buy one yourself. You need permission from a doctor to monitor your own blood. YOUR OWN blood.

For perspective, CGM sensors are non-invasive. They detect blood sugar levels by monitoring interstitial fluid in the skin. So we are talking about a thing that does not actually touch your blood at all, and doesn't even pierce the skin. You just stick it on your arm.

You stick it on your arm. And it's illegal.

Thanks, FDA, for making everything a huge headache for everyone.