Compare Dexcom Stelo with other leading CGM devices like Freestyle Libre and Medtronic Guardian. Learn about prescription vs. OTC CGMs to choose the right fit for your diabetes management.
Subscribe to our newsletter
When managing diabetes, the right tools can make all the difference. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices have revolutionized diabetes care by providing real-time insights into blood glucose levels, enabling more precise management. With a growing number of CGM options available, it can be challenging to decide which is best suited to your needs. In this blog, we’ll compare Dexcom Stelo with other leading CGMs, explain the differences between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) CGMs, and explore real-world data on managing diabetes.
Understanding Your CGM Options
CGM systems provide continuous, real-time glucose data, offering valuable insights into diet, exercise, and medication management. Continuous glucose monitoring means using a device to estimate blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. Here’s a breakdown of the essential features of CGMs:
Accuracy: A reliable CGM helps avoid dangerous highs and lows, allowing you to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Sensor Wear Time: Sensor longevity impacts convenience, as fewer replacements mean less hassle.
Ease of Use: User-friendly designs, including smartphone integration, simplify CGM use in everyday life.
Data Accessibility: The ability to access and interpret data in real-time, especially through mobile apps, is essential for effective glucose management.
Cost and Insurance Coverage: Understanding the cost of CGMs, including whether they are covered by insurance or available OTC, can influence your decision.
Dexcom Stelo vs. Other Leading CGMs
Let’s look at how Dexcom Stelo compares to other leading CGM devices:
1. Dexcom Stelo
Accuracy: Dexcom Stelo offers highly accurate glucose readings with minimal lag time, making it a leader in diabetes management.
Sensor Wear Time: The sensor lasts up to 14 days, minimizing replacements and enhancing ease of use.
Ease of Use: Stelo is discreet, easy to apply, and integrates with smartphones and digital health platforms like Heald, allowing for real-time data and personalized insights.
Data Accessibility: Dexcom Stelo continuously tracks glucose levels, sending data directly to your smartphone or compatible devices, providing comprehensive glucose monitoring.
Cost and Insurance: Dexcom Stelo is the first FDA-cleared over-the-counter glucose biosensor for people with Type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin. Stelo will be available in summer 2024, making CGM technology more accessible to millions of Americans.
2. Freestyle Libre
Accuracy: Freestyle Libre offers accurate glucose readings, though some users note a slight delay compared to blood glucose meters.
Sensor Wear Time: The sensor lasts up to 14 days, similar to Dexcom Stelo, offering convenience and fewer replacements.
Ease of Use: Freestyle Libre requires manual scanning for glucose data, which can be less convenient than continuous real-time monitoring.
Data Accessibility: Data is available through manual scans in the app. However, the lack of automatic updates means less real-time monitoring compared to Dexcom Stelo.
Cost and Insurance: Freestyle Libre is available without a prescription in many regions, offering flexibility and a lower upfront cost compared to prescription devices.
3. Medtronic Guardian
Accuracy: The Medtronic Guardian is known for its high accuracy, particularly when paired with Medtronic’s insulin pumps.
Sensor Wear Time: The sensor lasts for 7 days, shorter than Dexcom Stelo or Freestyle Libre, requiring more frequent changes.
Ease of Use: Medtronic Guardian is more complex to apply and requires calibration with fingerstick tests.
Data Accessibility: The application provides glucose data and integrates with Medtronic insulin pumps, making it a good choice for users needing an all-in-one solution.
Cost and Insurance: The Guardian typically requires a prescription and is often covered by insurance, making it a good option for those already using Medtronic pumps.
Your journey to a diabetes-free life starts here
Limited spots available for our webinar. Secure your seat now.
Join Our webinar
The Heald WA channel is a goldmine of support and information for those on their diabetes reversal journey. Sharing experiences, tips, and triumphs with fellow community members can provide invaluable motivation and practical advice. From meal plans and exercise routines to emotional support and accountability, the collective wisdom within the group can accelerate progress and make the path to diabetes reversal feel less daunting.
Key Features of CGMs
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) highlights several important features that differentiate CGM models:
Real-Time vs. Intermittent-Scan: Some CGMs, like Dexcom Stelo, offer continuous real-time data without requiring manual intervention. Others, like Freestyle Libre, use intermittent-scan technology, meaning the user must manually scan the sensor to receive glucose data.
Sensor Placement and Replacement: CGM sensors can either be placed on the skin or implanted under it, with replacement times varying from 7 to 180 days depending on the model.
Calibration: Some CGMs, like Medtronic Guardian, require calibration with a traditional blood glucose meter, while others, like Dexcom Stelo and Freestyle Libre, do not.
Smartphone Integration: Most modern CGMs, including Dexcom Stelo, integrate seamlessly with smartphones for easier data management, trend tracking, and alerts for high or low glucose levels.
Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter (OTC) CGMs
Another key factor to consider is whether the CGM requires a prescription or is available over the counter. Prescription CGMs, such as Dexcom G7 and Medtronic Guardian, typically offer higher accuracy and advanced features. OTC CGMs, like Dexcom Stelo, offer flexibility, affordability, and wider accessibility, especially for those managing Type 2 diabetes without insulin.
Benefits and Issues with CGMs
According to NIDDK, the benefits of using a CGM include:
Better glucose management: CGMs provide continuous monitoring, allowing users to make timely adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication.
Fewer finger sticks: With CGMs, frequent finger-stick tests are no longer needed.
Real-time alerts: Many CGMs, such as Dexcom Stelo, have alarms that go off when glucose levels are too high or too low, allowing for quicker interventions.
However, users may occasionally experience skin irritation or need to verify CGM readings with a finger-stick test to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CGM depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Dexcom Stelo offers highly accurate, real-time data and ease of use without a prescription, making it an excellent choice for those with Type 2 diabetes. Freestyle Libre provides a flexible and affordable OTC option, while Medtronic Guardian is a solid choice for users already using Medtronic insulin pumps.
Heald’s personalized care plans can help you choose the best CGM for your lifestyle and health goals. Remember, choosing Dexcom Stelo ensures that effective diabetes management is within reach.
Comments
