*Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Last updated on 09/10/2024.

Welcome to the wild world of diabetes tech, where devices are getting smarter, sleeker, and– dare we say it— easier for some to get their hands on.

With over-the-counter (OTC) CGM options becoming a reality, it’s now easier than ever for people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes to benefit from not just one, but three new options for blood sugar optimization, all within reach. Literally.

Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

Who is Dexcom Stelo for

Meet the Dexcom Stelo, the first glucose biosensor system to hit the over-the-counter market. Dexcom Stelo is intended for adults (18+ years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who are not on insulin or do not have a risk of hypoglycemia. It’s also suitable for anyone interested in monitoring their glucose levels for overall health and wellness. 

What are the features of Dexcom Stelo

• Trend insights: Receive personalized insights that help you understand your glucose levels and guide you in making impactful changes for better glucose wellness.
• Lifestyle impact: Stay informed about significant glucose spikes, allowing you to adjust your habits moving forward. 
• In-app Learning: Gain confidence in your  choices and build healthier habits with expert-curated information, practical tips and motivating guidance.
• Connect with other health apps: Integrate with other health apps to consolidate your health data and get a comprehensive view of your wellness.

How Dexcom Stelo works

Dexcom Stelo uses a small, wearable sensor that is placed on the skin, typically on the upper arm. The sensor is designed to measure glucose levels between 70-250 mg/dL by taking a reading every 5 minutes and wirelessly sends the data to your smartphone, where you can view your glucose levels, trends, and patterns. The app also offers personalized insights to help you understand your glucose patterns and make informed lifestyle and dietary decisions. Each sensor lasts up to 15 days of continuous wear with a 12-hour grace period after that. 

How much does Dexcom Stelo cost 

• One-time purchase: $99 for two biosensors, providing up to 30 days of wear time.
• Subscription $89 every 30 days for two biosensors delivered to your door.

When will Dexcom Stelo be available

Available now without a prescription in the United States for people not using insulin and aged 18 and older. 

Where can I buy Dexcom Stelo

Currently available for purchase on the Stelo Website, with plans for wider retail availability in the future.

Libre Rio

Who is Libre Rio for

Say hello to Libre Rio, Abbott’s first over-the-counter biosensor system for adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin therapy. Looking to take control of your health with a little help? Libre Rio has got you covered!

What are the features of Libre Rio

• Trend Insights: Discover foods are your friends and which are foes with personalized insights.
• Lifestyle Impact: Develop lifestyle habits that match your health goals with detailed data and insights.
• In-App Coaching: The Libre Rio app turns your sensor data into actionable feedback and accountability to get you closer to reaching your health goals.. 
• Health App Compatibility: Syncs with Apple Health to keep your health data up to date. 

How does Libre Rio work

Libre Rio’s biosensor is worn on the upper arm for 15 days, continuously measuring your glucose levels every minute, day and night, between 40-400 mg/dL. The accompanying app offers real-time insights and personalized coaching, making it feel like you’ve got a 24/7 health coach right in your pocket!

What is the cost of Libre Rio

Pricing details have not been released yet- stay tuned!

When is Libre Rio going to be available

Expected summer 2024.

Where can I buy Libre Rio

Libre Rio will be available through their website with more distribution options to come.

Lingo

Who is Lingo for

And last but not least, meet Lingo, the second biosensor in Abbott’s portfolio. Lingo is for the health-conscious crowd aged 18+ years who are eager to track their metabolic health and enhance their overall health and wellness.

What are the features of Lingo

• Trend Insights: Discover foods that work best for you and what foods to prioritize with personalized insights from Lingo.
• Lifestyle Impact: Detailed data and insights can support you in developing lifestyle habits that align with your health goals. 
• In-App Coaching: The Lingo app helps you make the most of your biosensors insights, providing feedback, accountability and validation that your efforts are effective. 
• Health App Compatibility: Lingo will be compatible with Apple Health integration to keep your health data up to date. 

How does Lingo work

Lingo combines a biosensor and app to provide a personalized coaching program for your eating and exercise habits. The Lingo biosensor continuously streams real-time glucose updates every minute of every day. It lasts up to 14 days and starts providing data an hour after insertion. Users can view their glucose levels directly on a compatible smartphone and explore how their body responds to various foods and activities. Measures glucose levels between 55-200 mg/dL.

What is the cost of Lingo

Lingo offers multiple purchasing options:

• 2-week plan (includes 1 Lingo sensor): $49
• 4-week plan (includes 2 Lingo sensors): $89
• 12-week subscription (includes 6 Lingo sensors, 2 shipped every 4 weeks): $249

When will Lingo be Available 

Lingo is now available in the United States. 

Where can I buy Lingo

You can purchase through Lingo’s website with broader distribution details to follow.

What’s the difference between Dexom Stelo, Libre Rio and Lingo?

These three OTC biosensors are fairly similar, but the major differences are who they are marketed for, the glucose ranges they measure and the wear time. See chart below for a full comparison of these devices. 

So, Who Wins?

The battle of over-the-counter CGM is heating up, and it looks like they’re all winners. Whether you are living with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or just eager to dive deeper into your metabolic health, getting your hands on a CGM is about to get a whole lot easier and more budget-friendly than ever!

https://www.hellolingo.com/products  

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