Dexcom Stelo vs. Other CGM Devices: Which is Right for You?

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.