Yes, you can now buy Dexcom over the counter. In March 2024 the FDA cleared Dexcom Stelo, the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor available in the United States. Stelo is designed for adults 18 and older who do not use insulin and want to see how food, activity, and sleep affect their glucose. It is sold directly to consumers without a prescription.
What Dexcom Stelo Is
Stelo is a biosensor worn on the back of the upper arm that measures glucose in interstitial fluid every 15 minutes. Readings stream to the Stelo smartphone app, which displays time-in-range summaries, post-meal graphs, and daily insights. Unlike Dexcom G7, Stelo does not emit real-time alarms for severe highs or lows; it is positioned as a pattern-spotting tool, not an acute safety device.
For readers who want to understand where their data fits in, our A1C levels guide provides the long-term reference. A CGM like Stelo gives you the minute-by-minute view behind that single A1C number.
How Stelo Works
After inserting the sensor with a one-step applicator, you pair it with the Stelo app. A brief warm-up period is required before readings appear. The sensor transmits via Bluetooth to the app, which runs on most modern iPhones and Android devices. Sensor wear is 15 days, after which you apply a fresh sensor. There are no fingerstick calibrations required.
Accuracy and Limits
Clinical data submitted to the FDA show Stelo’s accuracy is comparable to other adult, non-insulin CGMs, with a mean absolute relative difference around 10 percent against reference lab measurements. Accuracy may be lower during rapid glucose changes, during the first 12 hours of a sensor, or in extreme ranges. Stelo is not cleared for insulin dosing, for use during pregnancy, or for children.
Stelo Compared to Prescription CGMs
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo (OTC) | Dexcom G7 (Rx) | FreeStyle Libre 3 (Rx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription needed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Intended user | Non-insulin adult | All ages, all diabetes types | All ages, all diabetes types |
| Wear time | 15 days | 10 days | 14 days |
| Reading interval | 15 minutes | 5 minutes | 1 minute (app polls) |
| High/low alarms | No | Yes, customizable | Yes, customizable |
| Insurance coverage | Rare (cash-pay) | Common with Rx | Common with Rx |
| Approx. cost | ~$89 per sensor subscription | Varies by payer | Varies by payer |
Who Might Benefit
- Adults with prediabetes who want to see how specific meals shift glucose.
- People with type 2 diabetes managed by diet, metformin, or other non-insulin therapy.
- Anyone making substantive lifestyle changes and wanting real-time feedback.
- Users who prefer structured patterns over raw numbers.
Who Should Not Use Stelo
- Anyone who takes insulin or has had severe hypoglycemia; use a prescription CGM with alarms instead.
- Pregnant users; Stelo is not validated in pregnancy.
- Children and adolescents under 18.
- Anyone relying on a CGM for medical decisions that require FDA clearance for dosing.
How to Use Stelo Well
Stelo is a learning tool, not a verdict. The most productive approach is to use it in structured experiments over two to four weeks: track how post-meal glucose changes when you add protein to breakfast, take a 10-minute walk after dinner, or push dinner earlier. Pair the data with the principles in our diet and nutrition hub. For context on whether progress is enough, see is prediabetes reversible.
What the Numbers Mean
In adults without diabetes, fasting glucose is typically 70 to 99 mg/dL, and post-meal peaks under 140 mg/dL are considered normal. People with prediabetes may see fasting values of 100 to 125 mg/dL and post-meal values between 140 and 199 mg/dL. Occasional excursions above these thresholds do not necessarily indicate diabetes, but repeated patterns deserve a clinician conversation and an A1C or fasting lab test for confirmation.
Cost and Purchase Details
Stelo is sold directly from Dexcom’s Stelo website. A single sensor costs around 99 US dollars, and a monthly subscription of two sensors runs around 89 dollars per sensor. The product is not generally covered by insurance, although HSA and FSA accounts may reimburse. Shipping is direct to your home after you create an account and complete a short eligibility check.
Red Flags and Misuse
Avoid using Stelo to self-diagnose diabetes; the FDA clearance is for wellness tracking and pattern recognition, not diagnosis. Do not share or re-wear sensors. Be cautious of third-party apps claiming to unlock additional features; use the official Stelo app, which is what the FDA clearance covers.
The Bottom Line
Dexcom Stelo makes continuous glucose data available to anyone willing to pay cash for it, and that can be a valuable lens on your habits if you are in the prediabetes range or want to understand your metabolism better. It is not a medical-grade alarm system, it is not for insulin users, and it does not replace a clinician. Use it as structured feedback for behavior change, and bring the trends you see to a professional who can interpret them with your full picture in mind.
This article is educational and does not replace medical advice. Talk with your clinician about interpreting CGM data and planning any changes to your care.
