What is the Dexcom Stelo?
The Dexcom Stelo launched in 2024 as the first FDA-cleared OTC CGM in the US, specifically designed for adults who don't use insulin. It uses the same core sensor technology as Dexcom's prescription G7 but with an app and feature set rebuilt for wellness-focused users rather than clinical diabetes management.
15-day wear makes it the longest-wearing CGM available — including prescription devices. That's roughly 2 sensors per month, reducing both cost and the inconvenience of sensor changes.
Available at CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Amazon, and direct from Dexcom — no doctor visit, no prescription, no prior authorization. You can order today and receive it in days.
The Stelo is not appropriate for people who use insulin. If you take any form of insulin, you need a prescription CGM like the Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3.
How accurate is the Stelo?
The Stelo achieves a MARD of approximately 8.5–8.7% in published studies — slightly below the prescription G7 (8.2%) and Libre 3 (7.8%), but more than sufficient for non-clinical metabolic health use. For understanding how food, exercise, and lifestyle affect your glucose, this level of accuracy is entirely appropriate.
The Stelo app — built for non-clinical users
The Stelo app is intentionally simpler than Dexcom's clinical G7 app. It's designed for people without a medical background who want to understand their metabolic responses — not manage a clinical condition.
Food logging lets you log meals and see your glucose response overlaid directly on your timeline. Over days and weeks, patterns emerge: which meals cause spikes, which produce stable glucose, which are worse in the morning versus evening.
Activity tracking integrates with Apple Health and Google Health, showing how exercise affects your glucose curve. A post-meal walk versus a fasted morning run produce very different signatures — and the app makes both visible.
Insights and education are built into the app — when something notable happens in your data, the app explains what it means in plain language. This is particularly useful for first-time CGM users who don't have a medical background.
How much does Stelo cost?
$99/month for a 2-sensor pack (30-day supply) purchased one-time, or $89/month on a subscription. Each sensor lasts 15 days — so you're changing sensors twice a month rather than three times (as with the 10-day G7).
Insurance does not cover the Stelo — it's an OTC wellness product. HSA/FSA accounts may cover it as a qualified medical expense; check with your administrator.
Dexcom Stelo vs Abbott Lingo
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
|---|---|---|
| Wear time | 15 days | 14 days |
| Monthly cost | $89–99/month | $89/month |
| App approach | Data + food logging | Lingo Count scoring |
| Apple Health | Yes | Yes |
| Brand trust | Dexcom — clinical leader | Abbott — strong heritage |
| Best for | Data-curious users | Beginners wanting simple scores |