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A few months ago, I found myself getting really frustrated with the constant ups and downs of my energy levels.
Some days, I felt unstoppable; other days, I was sluggish and foggy-headed.
And the afternoon crashes were hitting me hard, to the point where I couldn’t function.
I felt that I was doing everything I could to lead as healthy a life as possible (I’m a wellness specialist for goodness sake!) but as a 50 year old woman in perimenopause, the hormonal rollercoaster still kept throwing up different symptoms and issues now and again.
I made an appointment to see my doctor but examinations and blood tests gave the all-clear for anything serious (thankfully).
I did suspect that blood sugar played a role in how I felt, but without a way to track it in real time, I was left guessing.
I know this was also a frustration for the women I see in my menopause wellness coaching sessions.
As oestrogen levels fall, your body can become less responsive to insulin.
Your menopause symptoms can be affected by fluctuating blood sugars and the long-term health consequences of the menopause can add to a longer-term health risk of diabetes.
So when I was offered the chance to test Lingo, a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) biosensor, app and coaching programme designed to decode your personal glucose response to food, exercise and other lifestyle factors, I was curious to see what I’d learn.
More than just a tracker, Lingo provides real-time insights to help you adjust your nutrition and lifestyle for better energy, focus and overall health.
CGMs were initially available for people with diabetes to track their glucose levels without the need to draw blood but they’ve become increasingly available to people without diabetes who simply want to optimise their wellness.
So here is my review of the Lingo glucose monitor UK (CGM)—how it works, what I learned and whether it’s worth it for taking control of your health (plus stay tuned for your exclusive discount...)
(This post may contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on a product or service, and decide to purchase it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All recommended products and services are only based on my positive experience with them)
Contents
Why Glucose Matters
Lingo is made by Abbott, a global leader of this revolution. Here’s what they say about why glucose matters:
Glucose is a fuel that provides energy to your cells. It goes up and down throughout the day, typically rising after high-carb meals, intense exercise, even stress. But food tends to be the biggest driver.
As glucose rises (or spikes), your body releases insulin to get that fuel where it needs to go.
Insulin helps your body use glucose for energy, but when there’s too much in your system, the excess glucose gets stored as fat.
Too much glucose in circulation can also affect how you feel day to day — hungry, tired, moody, unable to concentrate. All things that can derail your health goals.
So, it’s important to learn which foods cause the biggest spikes for you.
Benefits of steady glucose
Boost energy
Managing your glucose curve can be an effective way to improve your energy levels. People following a low-glycaemic diet reported feeling 25% less fatigue than those following a highglycaemic diet.
Manage weight
As glucose rises, so does insulin. And when insulin is chronically elevated, it can impair the body’s ability to burn fat for energy. That’s why having steady glucose levels can help with losing and maintaining weight.
Increase focus
One study of 3,000+ young adults showed that those with unsteady glucose levels had diminished memory and processing speed 25 years later.
Manage hunger
Glucose crashes can trick you into thinking you need more food ASAP. Seeing your real-time glucose data can help you distinguish true hunger from a passing craving.
Sleep better
Studies have shown that steady glucose may lead to better sleep. In turn, better sleep can also help to keep your glucose steady
So who is Lingo Glucose Monitor UK for?
Any and every adult looking to make positive health changes could benefit from the Lingo experience.
They may already live a healthy lifestyle and simply want more ways to optimise their health and fitness.
Others seek a diverse range of health benefits and want effective tools to help them implement impactful habit changes.
Lingo Glucose Monitor UK Review: Product Overview
Lingo is a biosensor and app that offers a coaching programme.
Together, they help you eat and exercise in a way that’s right for you.
The Lingo biosensor decodes your personal glucose response to food and exercise.
The Lingo app translates your data into something you can understand and act upon.
The Lingo coaching programme is designed by experts to help you build habits and adjust your nutrition for the results you want.
Unlike traditional glucose monitors, which are often aimed at people managing diabetes, Lingo is designed for general wellness—giving insights that can help improve energy levels, mood and metabolic health.
Specifications & How It Works
Lingo consists of a small biosensor that you wear on your arm and a companion app that translates real-time glucose data into actionable insights.
Biosensor: A discreet, lightweight sensor that continuously measures glucose levels through the skin.
App: Syncs with the sensor to display data, offering personalised coaching and habit suggestions.
Connectivity: Available in the UK and US only via the App store (iOS 11 and over). Android will follow in 2025. Bluetooth integration.
Biosensor Life: Each Lingo biosensor can be worn for up to 14 days.
Set-Up: The sensor is applied to the upper arm using a simple applicator. Once in place, it begins tracking glucose levels automatically.
The biosensor attaches to the back of your arm and tracks your glucose via a tiny filament that sits just below the skin.
It then streams real-time glucose data to the Lingo app 24/7.
The Lingo app translates your data into something you can understand and act upon.
The biosensor is:
• Painless to apply and lasts up to 14 days
• Water-resistant, so you can shower, swim, and sweat without worry
• Discreet (it’s about the size of a £2 coin)
• Equipped with medical-grade adhesive for a secure and comfortable fit
• Designed with a thin, flexible filament for comfort
Models & Pricing (Feb 2025)
Lingo currently offer 3 plans:
2 wk Learn Pack: £59 (inc. VAT) – 1 biosensor
4 wk Build Pack: £99 (inc. VAT) – 2 biosensors
12 wk Transform Pack: £289 (inc. VAT) - 6 biosensors
All plans include:
14-day Lingo biosensor(s) with minute-by-minute continuous glucose tracking
Full access to the Lingo app, compatible with iPhone only (requires an iPhone 11 or later)
Lingo coaching programme to help build habits and adjust your nutrition
What Sets Lingo Apart?
Lingo is more than just a glucose tracker—it’s a coaching platform designed to help you make sense of your data. What makes it unique?
✔️ Real-time glucose tracking for personalised insights.
✔️ Expert-designed coaching programme to guide habit changes.
✔️ Food and exercise response tracking to pinpoint what works for you.
✔️ No finger pricking or blood testing—just continuous monitoring.
Unboxing & First Impressions of Lingo
When my Lingo biosensor kit arrived, the box was compact and well-organised, with a premium feel that suggested careful attention to detail.
Opening it up, I found everything neatly arranged, making the setup process feel intuitive and stress-free.
What’s in the Box?
The Lingo kit includes:
✔️ The biosensor – a small, lightweight device designed to be worn on the upper arm.
✔️ The applicator – a simple tool to attach the sensor with minimal discomfort.
✔️ Quick-start guide – a step-by-step manual for setting up and syncing with the app.
At first glance, the biosensor itself is discreet and well-designed—small enough to be unobtrusive under clothing.
The applicator, while slightly intimidating, is built for a quick and completely painless application.
First Impressions
The Lingo sensor felt lightweight.
The adhesive pad is designed to keep it secure for up to 14 days, which was reassuring since I didn’t want to worry about it coming loose during workouts or showers.
The app setup was straightforward—I downloaded Lingo, followed the pairing instructions, and within an hour, I was ready to start tracking.
The onboarding process included an introductory guide, helping me understand what to expect from my glucose data and how to interpret fluctuations.
Overall first impression? Lingo delivers a premium experience right from unboxing.
It feels like a well-thought-out, user-friendly product designed for people serious about improving their metabolic health.
But how does it perform in real life? In the next section, I’ll walk through my first few days using Lingo and what I learned.
Performance Evaluation: How Well Does Lingo Work?
Setup & Usability
Setting up the Lingo biosensor was surprisingly quick and easy.
The included applicator made attaching the sensor to my upper arm simple, and while I was a little apprehensive about the process, it was completely painless.
Once applied, the sensor felt lightweight and unobtrusive, and I kept forgetting I was even wearing it.
Syncing the biosensor with the Lingo app was just as straightforward.
Within an hour of applying your biosensor, the live glucose stream will be up and running — a real-time view of your body unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
The app guided me through an intuitive onboarding process, explaining how to interpret my glucose data and offering customised tips based on my initial readings.
The user interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, with a real-time glucose graph that updates automatically.
I especially liked how Lingo translates complex data into simple, actionable insights, rather than just throwing numbers at you.
From the very first scan, I was able to track how my glucose levels responded to food, exercise, and even stress—offering a level of personal insight that I hadn’t experienced before.
Functionality & Testing
In the weeks that followed, I experimented with new habits to find out how my body reacted to different foods and activities.
Lingo recommended some key practices that help mitigate glucose spikes:
Prioritise protein
Savoury not sweet
Fuel with healthy fats
Go with green
Move more
Food & Meal Tracking
My usual breakfast of overnight oats with Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds and berries resulted in a steady response.
A very low carb lunch of chicken, bacon and broccoli one day actually didn’t give me enough of a boost and I felt really tired.
I joined my carb-loving sons in enjoying a bowl of sausage pasta one evening, resulting in a huge glucose spike!
But the biggest spike of all came from a small slice of sourdough bread, eaten on its own with a scraping of butter. It was in an afternoon when I was sitting at my desk writing so wasn’t active.
It’s definitely made me more mindful of what I eat and when.
And even though weight loss isn’t one of my current goals, I did lose 3lbs over the two weeks of wearing the glucose monitor.
Exercise & Activity
Lingo revealed how different types of movement affected my glucose.
A brisk 15-minute walk after meals helped lower post-meal spikes, while a more intense HIIT session caused a temporary spike but led to lower overall glucose levels throughout the day.
These insights helped me fine-tune my workouts for better energy and metabolism.
Sleep & Stress Impact
Lingo say that research has shown that not only do steady glucose levels help improve sleep but better sleep also helps improve glucose levels.
Keeping your glucose steady may result in better sleep, and a good night’s sleep may also help keep your glucose steady.
One of the biggest surprises was how stress and poor sleep impacted my glucose levels.
On nights when I didn’t sleep well, my fasting glucose was higher the next morning, and stressful workdays led to glucose fluctuations even without food.
This reinforced the importance of stress management and quality sleep in metabolic health.
Overall Performance Verdict?
Lingo delivers on its promise of personalised metabolic insights, helping users understand their unique glucose patterns.
The real-time tracking and coaching suggestions make it much more useful than a traditional glucose monitor for non-diabetics.
Compatibility
The Lingo app works on iOS only, with iPhone 11 or higher, running iOS 15.2 or higher.
Apple Watch, iPad, Tablets, and Android aren't supported yet, but they'll be available soon.
Apple Health integration is available.
Durability & Longevity
The biosensor is designed to last 14 days.
During my test period, I found that it stayed securely in place, even during showers and workouts.
The adhesive held up well, and I didn’t experience any discomfort or irritation.
Long-term durability isn’t too much of a concern as each sensor is replaced bi-weekly.
However, the quality of materials feels premium and medical-grade, and I had no issues with performance degradation over time.
Additional Features
One of Lingo’s standout features is its personalised coaching program.
Rather than just providing data, the app guides you through habit changes based on your glucose trends.
This sets it apart from other glucose monitors, as it functions more like a health and lifestyle coach than just a tracking tool.
Other useful features include:
✔️ Real-time alerts and guidance when glucose spikes or dips too quickly.
✔️ Trend reports to spot patterns over time.
Final Thoughts on Performance
Lingo excels in usability, real-time tracking, and personalised coaching, making it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to optimise their health.
While it would benefit from more third-party app integrations, its standalone functionality is robust, and the insights it provides are practical and easy to apply.
In the next section, I’ll break down the pros and cons of using Lingo and whether it’s worth the investment.
Lingo vs. Zoe: How Does It Compare?
With more people looking for personalised health insights, Lingo and Zoe have emerged as two of the most talked-about metabolic tracking tools.
While both aim to help users understand how food affects their bodies, they take different approaches.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Lingo and Zoe based on key factors:
Feature | Lingo | Zoe |
Main Purpose | Real-time glucose tracking for metabolic health | Gut health, blood sugar and blood fat |
Technology Used | Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) | CGM, stool sample and blood test |
Tracking Duration | Ongoing (14-day sensor cycles) | One-time tests + CGM for 2 weeks |
Data Provided | Glucose response in real-time, coaching insights | Gut microbiome, blood fat response, glucose response |
Personalized Coaching | Yes – in-app guidance and habit-building tips | Yes –recipes, meal plans and food scoring system |
Cost | From £59 for 14 days | One-time test (£299+) + membership (from £9.99/month) |
Third-Party App Integration | Apple Health | Apple Health |
Who It’s Best For | Those wanting continuous metabolic tracking and real-time habit adjustments | Those wanting a deep dive into their gut and metabolic health |
Where Lingo Excels
✔️ Simplicity – Lingo focuses on glucose and offers clear, actionable guidance, while Zoe provides more complex microbiome data, which some users may find overwhelming.
Where Zoe Excels
✔️ More Comprehensive Health Analysis – Zoe doesn’t just measure glucose; it also examines gut health and fat metabolism, making it a broader diagnostic tool.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what I loved about Lingo—and where it could improve.
Pros of the Lingo Biosensor
✔️ Real-Time Glucose Insights – Unlike other metabolic tests that provide delayed results, Lingo offers instant feedback, helping you make adjustments in the moment.
✔️ Easy to Use & Comfortable – The biosensor is lightweight and painless to apply, and the app is intuitive, making it accessible even for those new to glucose tracking.
✔️ Personalised Coaching – The app doesn’t just show numbers; it provides clear, actionable advice to improve diet and lifestyle.
✔️ Ongoing Tracking – Unlike one-time assessments, Lingo provides continuous monitoring, allowing for long-term habit building.
Cons
❌ Limited Third-Party App Integration – Currently, Lingo only syncs with Apple Health, but not MyFitnessPal, or Fitbit, which could be a drawback for those who track multiple health metrics.
❌ Limited to Glucose Data – While useful, Lingo only tracks glucose, unlike Zoe, which offers gut microbiome and fat metabolism insights as well.
In the next section, I’ll wrap up with my final verdict—who should consider Lingo and whether it’s truly worth it!
Is Lingo Worth It?
When it comes to personalised health tracking, Lingo offers a unique way to monitor glucose in real time—but is it worth the investment?
Cost vs. Benefit: What Are You Really Paying For?
Lingo starts from £59 for one sensor which lasts 14 days (although read on for my exclusive discount code...)
However, you’re not just paying for a glucose sensor—you’re getting:
✔️ A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that provides real-time insights into how food and exercise impact your body.
✔️ An expert-designed coaching program that helps you adjust your habits for better metabolic health.
✔️ An easy-to-use app that translates raw data into actionable advice (not just numbers).
If you compare this to other metabolic tests, such as Zoe (£299 for a full health test + membership starting at £9.99/month), Lingo’s competitive price stands out. It’s designed for long-term habit change, not just a snapshot of your health.
Who Will Benefit Most from Lingo?
✅ Women in midlife navigating menopause – Blood sugar fluctuations are common during perimenopause and menopause, and Lingo helps pinpoint which foods cause spikes or crashes.
✅ People looking to improve metabolic health – If you want to manage energy levels, cravings or weight, Lingo gives real-time feedback on what’s working (or not).
✅ Fitness enthusiasts & biohackers – If you love fine-tuning your diet and performance, Lingo helps track how different foods fuel or drain your body.
Who Might Want to Skip It?
❌ Those on a tight budget – The cost adds up quickly, making it less accessible for long-term use.
❌ Users who want more than glucose tracking – If you’re looking for gut health or fat metabolism insights, Zoe provides a broader analysis.
Final Verdict
After testing the Lingo biosensor and app, it’s clear that this real-time glucose monitor is a powerful tool for understanding personal metabolic health.
It stands out for its continuous tracking, personalised insights and coaching program but the cost and potential for over-monitoring may not suit everyone.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Where to Buy & Next Steps
Interested in trying Lingo for yourself? You can purchase it directly from their official website:
And if you use my code MYLINGO-Ye6 you'll get 10% off the RRP.
Let me know in the comments how you get on - or if you've got any questions!
DISCLAIMER: This page does not provide medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice on any of the topics covered on this page.
Read the article and ordered mine. Arrived very quickly! Easy to set up (I thought it would hurt but it was actually pain free). The app was very easy to use and I was genuinely surprised at how certain foods impacted on my glucose. I’ve made some changes based on the two weeks results and definitely feel better for that!
Ordered mine and loved it! It was a simple, affordable way to tap into my health so I can now make some much needed changes.