Alcohol, Carbs and Your CGM: What the Flat Line Is Really Telling You

Picture of The Fasting Method
The Fasting Method

Episode #267

A flat CGM line isn’t always good news.

🎙️ In this Metabolic Troubleshooting episode, Coach Lisa Chance explains what really happens when alcohol and carbohydrates collide—and why your CGM may not be telling the whole story.

Using practical examples like pizza and wine, Lisa explores how alcohol changes the way your liver regulates blood sugar, why glucose readings can appear deceptively stable, and what that means for anyone using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to better understand their metabolic health.

Whether you’re experimenting with different foods, wearing a CGM for the first time, or simply curious about how alcohol affects your metabolism, this episode will help you interpret your glucose data with greater confidence.

👉 What you’ll learn:
– Why alcohol can make your CGM readings misleading
– What a “flat” glucose line really means after drinking
– How alcohol affects blood sugar, insulin, and liver function
– Why food experiments should be done on alcohol-free nights
– How carbs and alcohol interact metabolically
– Which types of alcohol are the least disruptive to glucose regulation
– Why beer, wine, and spirits affect your metabolism differently
– How to use your CGM as a feedback tool—not a moral scorecard

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 — Pizza, wine, and the misleading flat CGM line
00:24 — Why alcohol changes how to interpret CGM data
02:40 — Blood glucose basics and understanding your CGM
05:57 — How alcohol affects liver glucose production
09:23 — Why alcohol can disrupt blood sugar for up to 24 hours
12:27 — Alcohol, insulin, and hidden metabolic effects
14:37 — Why carbs and alcohol create misleading CGM data
18:01 — Beer, wine, and spirits: what’s the metabolic difference?
21:24 — Choosing lower-impact alcoholic drinks
24:00 — What metabolic healing looks like on a CGM
27:00 — Key takeaways for interpreting your glucose data

💙 Ready for More Personalised Support?
Through July 31, anyone who books a The Fasting Method 1:1 Coaching package will receive an additional private 45-minute planning session to help you think strategically about your coaching journey and get the most from your time with your coach.
Looking for long-term support instead? Lifetime Membership is also open during this special support window, giving you ongoing access to coaching, community, and resources to help you build lasting metabolic health.

Current TFM Community members also receive preferred pricing on eligible 1:1 coaching options.
✨ Lifetime Membership:
https://www.thefastingmethod.com/register/lifetime-community-subscription/
✨ 1:1 Coaching:
https://www.thefastingmethod.com/coaching/

📣 Connect With Us
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fastingmethod/
📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheFastingMethod
💬 Free Facebook Group:
https://bit.ly/TFMNetwork

⚠️ Disclaimer
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional. You should always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before doing any fasting, changing your diet, taking or adjusting any medication or supplements, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.

The use of any products or services purchased does not create a healthcare provider–patient relationship.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


Responses

Health Coaching

Coaching Plans with our Health Coaches

  • Receive expert guidance on fasting, nutritional strategies and healthy habits
  • For individuals who are looking to lose weight, improve metabolic health and would like frequent contact with peer and coaching support
  • One complimentary Intake Assessment per client
  • Please review the coach’s bios and watch the videos to determine which coach is the best fit for your Intake Assessment
Book a free 15-minute Intake Assessment with one coach of your choice using the booking buttons below.

Group Coaching

$1,099 USD

13 TOTAL SESSIONS:

  • Twelve 60-minute group sessions, up to 4 participants
  • One 1-on-1 sessions
  • Six-month coaching program

BONUS:

  • Six months community access ($275 value)

Health Coaching

Coaching Plans with our Expert Health Coaches

  • Personalized fasting and nutritional plans catered to your health needs, goals and lifestyle
  • Coaching can help you make the changes that lead to a healthy, active lifestyle forever
  • This program is designed for those looking to burn body fat, improve metabolic health and tackle their mindset and behavior challenges
  • One complimentary Intake Assessment per client
  • Please review the coach’s bios and watch the videos to determine which coach is the best fit for your Intake Assessment
Book a free 15-minute Intake Assessment with one coach of your choice using the buttons below. 
An Intake Assessment is to your chance to meet the coach and learn how they can help you. Coaching is an investment and we want you to find the right coach for you. This is not a sales call. The coach will send you the links to purchase via email after the session. 
Please review all of the package options below before booking your Intake Assessment.

Packages start at $1,799 USD. Keep scrolling for more information.

Total Transformation

1-on-1 Coaching

$2699 USD

8 TOTAL SESSIONS:

  • Eight 45-minute 1-on-1 sessions ($3192 value)
  • Six months community access ($275 value)
  • Six-month coaching program

Total Transformation

Group Coaching

$1799 USD

14 TOTAL SESSIONS:

  • Twelve 60-minute group sessions, up to 4 participants
  • Two 1-on-1 sessions
  • Six months community access ($275 value)
  • Six-month coaching program

Single Session

$399 USD

1 SESSION:

  • One 45-minute 1-on-1 session

The Diabetes Code Cookbook

Delicious, healthy, low-carb recipes to manage your insulin and prevent and reverse Type 2 Diabetes

By Jason Fung, MD

Life in the Fasting Lane

Making intermittent fasting a lifestyle

By Jason Fung, MD, Eve Mayer, Megan Ramos

The PCOS Plan

Prevent and reverse polycystic ovary syndrome through diet and fasting

By Nadia Brito Pateguana, ND, Jason Fung, MD

The Cancer Code

A revolutionary new understanding of a medical mystery

By Jason Fung, MD

The Longevity Solution

Rediscovering centuries-old secrets to a healthy, long life

By James DiNicolantonio, PhD, Jason Fung, MD

The Complete Guide to Fasting

Heal your body through intermittent, alternate-day, & extended fasting

By Jason Fung, MD and Jimmy Moore

The Obesity Code

Unlocking the secrets of weight loss

By Jason Fung, MD

The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women

Balance your hormones to lose weight, lower stress, and optimize health

By Megan Ramos

The Diabetes Code Journal

The official workbook for reversing Type 2 diabetes through healthy eating and fasting

By Jason Fung, MD