When managing diabetes, the right tools can make all the difference. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is essential for diabetes management, as these 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 CGM compares to other leading CGM devices:

1. Dexcom Stelo

• Accuracy: The accuracy of Dexcom Stelo is reported to be around 8.3% Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD), which indicates a high level of precision in glucose readings.

• Sensor Wear Time: The sensor is approved for a wear time of up to 15 days, with clinical trials showing that approximately 77.9% of sensors can last the full duration. However, about 20% may not last this long, with some failing around the 12-day mark.

• Cost: The cost is set at $99 for two sensors. However, through the HealD X program, it is offered at $89 per month, which includes holistic diabetes care along with a bundle of benefits. This makes it a more cost-effective option for those seeking comprehensive support in managing their diabetes.

• Ease of Use: The Stelo is designed for easy application and does not require calibration, making it user-friendly and suitable for those who do not use insulin.

• Data Accessibility: Continuous monitoring with real-time updates every five minutes is a key feature, allowing users to track their glucose levels effectively.

2. Freestyle Libre

• Accuracy: Freestyle Libre offers accurate readings, but users often report a slight delay compared to blood glucose meters, typically around 5 to 10 minutes.

• Sensor Wear Time: The sensor lasts up to 14 days, providing convenience with fewer replacements needed.

• Cost: Prices range from approximately $70 to $100 per sensor, depending on the retailer and region; it is available without a prescription in many areas.

• Ease of Use: Requires manual scanning for glucose data, which may be less convenient than continuous monitoring.

• Data Accessibility: Data is accessed through manual scans in the app, lacking automatic updates.

3. Medtronic Guardian

• Accuracy: Known for high accuracy when used with Medtronic insulin pumps; however, it requires calibration with fingerstick tests.

• Sensor Wear Time: The sensor lasts for 7 days, requiring more frequent changes compared to Dexcom Stelo and Freestyle Libre.

• Cost: Typically requires a prescription; costs vary based on insurance coverage but are generally higher due to the need for an insulin pump system.

• Ease of Use: More complex application process and requires regular calibration.

• Data Accessibility: Integrates with Medtronic pumps, providing comprehensive data but lacks the ease of smartphone integration seen in other devices.

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.