It can - but it's a false reading, which you should ignore.
Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen), interferes with continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings by causing falsely elevated glucose values.
This interference occurs because the active ingredient is oxidized at the tiny electrode that's monitoring glucose. It's producing an electrochemical signal unrelated to glucose so it's not a real spike in the line.
Other substances that can confuse CGMs
Several substances can interfere with continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings, leading to inaccuracies in glucose measurements. Some of these medications include:
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol): Can cause falsely elevated glucose readings
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): High levels can lead to inaccurate glucose readings
- Hydroxyurea: Can result in higher than actual blood glucose readings when using certain CGMs
- Salicylic acid (aspirin): May also interfere with CGM accuracy, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
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