After getting the green light from the FDA back in March, Dexcom today launched its first over-the-counter wearable continuous glucose biosensor, Stelo, in the U.S. market.
The device is now available for purchase without a prescription at Stelo.com. Dexcom designed Stelo for adults 18 years and older who are not taking any insulin therapies—a group that includes about 25 million people living with Type 2 diabetes in the U.S. It’s also designed to help those with prediabetes reach their A1c goals and potentially slow the progression of diabetes, according to the company. Also, people without diabetes can use the device to better understand the effects of diet and exercise, the company said.
Unveiled earlier this year, Dexcom has pitched the Stelo as a more “health-focused” version of its top-of-the-line CGM, the G7, which made its debut early last year. Though built on the same sensor platform, the Stelo will operate without the low blood sugar alerts or software features needed by people with Type 1 diabetes, who use real-time glucose data to carefully calculate their daily doses of insulin.
The FDA cleared Dexcom’s Stelo in March. Abbott followed in June, collecting FDA clearances for two separate continuous glucose monitoring systems, the Libre Rio and the Lingo. While the Libre Rio is designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes who are not taking insulin, the Lingo carries a more general “health and wellness” focus, aimed at providing blood sugar data to the curious consumer.
Worn on the back of the upper arm, the sensor can deliver 24/7 glucose readings to a smartphone app for up to 15 days. It’s designed to provide personalized glucose insights revealing how food, exercise and sleep can affect glucose, and does not use fingersticks.