The Turkish star wears a medical device to measure blood sugar levels… What is the reason?
Real Madrid star Arda Güler sparked widespread questions after appearing in a shot wearing a medical device on his arm that measures blood sugar levels. Does this mean that the Turkish star suffers from diabetes?
This shot was taken during Güler’s celebration with his colleague Vinicius Junior of one of the six goals scored by Real Madrid against Monaco of France in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
Güler contributed to the making of a goal during the match, which was held as part of the seventh round of the league stage of the continental tournament, but the device he was wearing was what caught the eye.
The Spanish newspaper “Marca” stated that the device that Güler was wearing is originally intended for monitoring diabetes, but some football players use it for other purposes related to improving physical performance.
What is a glucometer?
This device is a glucometer and is used to monitor blood sugar levels. There is no confirmation that the midfielder suffers from diabetes, but these sensors are not only used to control this disease.
One of the potential functions of these devices is to help improve athletic performance.
Guillermo Gómez, a specialist in therapeutic nutrition at the Cimetro clinic in Madrid, explains that the device “allows knowing how the glucose level responds to the method of training and rest periods.”
The expert illustrates this with an example, saying: “Some athletes resort to following low-carbohydrate diets for various reasons, but at the same time they need to eat them because their sport requires high-intensity efforts. Monitoring glucose levels helps them determine the best time to eat them.”
Regarding the extent to which this device affects improving athletic performance in football or other high-intensity sports, the expert confirms that it does not create miracles, but it helps manage nutrition better in proportion to the different circumstances.
“In sports such as football, which witness frequent changes in the rhythm of play, this can make a difference,” adds Gómez, stressing at the same time that the glucometer should always be seen as an aid alongside good training, adequate rest, and sound health habits.
