Sugar watchers

During China's recent "Double 11" online shopping festival, sales of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) on e-commerce giant JD.com doubled compared to last year. Once primarily used for managing diabetes, these devices are now gaining popularity among health-conscious young people.

One user, Anyu (pseudonym), shared her experience with news website 36Kr. She started tracking her blood sugar after learning that imbalances could lead to fatigue and hormonal changes. By adjusting her diet — cutting back on coffee and ice cream based on her CGM data — she found she could "focus better" within just a few weeks.

Unlike traditional blood sugar tests that provide a single snapshot, CGMs offer continuous tracking. A small, circular sensor attached to the arm or abdomen records glucose levels 24/7 for up to two weeks, giving users a comprehensive view of how their body responds to food, exercise, and stress.

However, not everyone using these devices has a medical need. Xie Yun, an endocrinologist at Zhu Xianyi Memorial Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, noted that many young people are simply curious. "Short-term blood sugar changes caused by exercise, diet, or emotions are normal," she told 36Kr. "Different CGM technologies can yield varying results, which might lead to unnecessary anxiety."

While CGMs can be helpful tools, it's important to use them with care — and not stress over every spike or dip. Sometimes, it's okay to enjoy that coffee or dessert without guilt.

From barn to runway

If you ask about this winter's defining style, any fashionista will probably tell you: the "barnfit" look.

The hashtag "barnfit" has garnered over 310,000 posts on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle platform. According to Lyst, a British shopping platform and fashion data agency, barn jackets ranked among the top five most popular products in 2024, with a 410 percent surge in search volume compared to previous months, underscoring their widespread appeal.

Barn jackets are at the heart of this trend, typically found in colors like khaki, navy blue, and sage green. Originally worn by farmers and laborers, they made their way to the American Midwest around the 1890s. By the 1990s, they had become iconic, even appearing in classic films.

Renowned for their durability and utility, these jackets are often made from sturdy materials such as cotton, canvas, and corduroy. Over the years, they've evolved with features like waterproof wax coatings, insulated collars and linings for warmth, and multiple spacious pockets.

Like jeans, barn jackets are incredibly versatile, transitioning seamlessly between various occasions and styles. On this year's Prada runway, they were paired with chiffon dresses, blending ruggedness with delicacy. They also work effortlessly with sweaters and shirts.

"The 'barnfit' style is more than just a fashion trend — it's a way of life," wrote a fashion editor on Xiaohongshu. "It shows that fashion isn't only about following trends but also about discovering a style that suits you, making each day full of personality and vitality."