Dexcom’s Stelo is a 15-day continuous glucose monitor sold over the counter in the United States. Cleared by the FDA in March 2024, it was the first CGM approved for consumer purchase without a prescription, and it is intended for adults 18 and older who are not using insulin.
What Dexcom’s Stelo Is Designed to Do
Stelo measures glucose in the interstitial fluid just beneath the skin and displays readings every 15 minutes on a companion smartphone app. Its target audience is the roughly 136 million American adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin – a group previously priced out of CGM access.
The FDA announcement specifically framed Stelo as a tool for people who want to better understand how food, physical activity, stress, and sleep affect their glucose.
Stelo Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Dexcom Stelo |
|---|---|
| Wear time | 15 days |
| Warm-up | 30 minutes |
| Reading interval | Every 15 minutes |
| Calibration | Factory calibrated |
| Low-glucose alerts | Standard low alerts; no urgent 55 mg/dL alert |
| Intended user | Adults 18+ not using insulin |
| Retail price | ~$99 per month (2 sensors) |
How Dexcom’s Stelo Works
The Stelo sensor combines a single-use applicator, a filament, and an on-body transmitter. You place it on the back of your upper arm, press the applicator button, pair it with the Stelo app, and wait 30 minutes for the first reading.
Readings stream to your phone by Bluetooth Low Energy. The app shows a rolling 24-hour glucose graph, a time-in-range summary, and meal and exercise logs you can overlay against the glucose trace. There is no receiver; Stelo is phone-only.
Accuracy Considerations
Stelo’s underlying chemistry is similar to Dexcom G7. In the typical glucose range for non-insulin users (70-250 mg/dL), accuracy is comparable to G7’s 8.2% MARD. Outside that range, the device continues to display readings but is not validated for insulin-dosing decisions.
The NIDDK notes that all CGMs show a 5-10 minute lag relative to blood glucose because they sample interstitial fluid. This lag is more noticeable during rapid changes such as right after a high-carbohydrate meal or during exercise.
Who Should Consider Stelo
- Adults with prediabetes who want to see how meals and activity affect glucose.
- Type 2 diabetes managed with lifestyle or non-insulin medications (metformin, GLP-1s, SGLT2s).
- Adults on GLP-1 therapy tracking progress alongside medication titration.
- Adults curious about metabolic health as part of a broader wellness program.
For a primer on target glucose ranges and how to interpret Stelo data, our A1C levels guide and diet and nutrition hub explain how CGM patterns map to clinical measures.
Who Should Not Use Stelo
Stelo is not appropriate if you:
- Use insulin (any type) – use Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3 instead.
- Are under 18 years old – pediatric CGMs require a prescription.
- Have had a history of problematic hypoglycemia – the lack of urgent low alerts could miss serious lows.
- Are pregnant – use a prescription CGM cleared for pregnancy.
How Stelo Differs from Dexcom G7
| Feature | Stelo | Dexcom G7 |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription | No | Yes |
| Wear time | 15 days | 10 days |
| Reading interval | 15 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Urgent low alert | No | Yes |
| Age range | 18+ | 2+ |
| Insurance coverage | Rare | Common |
Making the Most of Stelo Data
The value of Stelo is in the patterns, not any single reading. Useful experiments include:
- Comparing the same meal with and without a 15-minute post-meal walk
- Noting how sleep quality affects morning fasting glucose
- Watching how high-fiber versus refined carbohydrate breakfasts affect peak glucose
- Tracking the effect of GLP-1 dose titrations on post-meal glucose
Bring the app’s summary reports to your clinician to shape a treatment plan grounded in your real-world data.
The Bottom Line
Dexcom’s Stelo made continuous glucose monitoring available to millions of adults who previously could not access CGM technology. It is a solid, accurate 15-day sensor intended for people not using insulin, priced to be a monthly out-of-pocket purchase. Used alongside your clinician’s guidance, Stelo can surface the patterns that drive durable changes to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes management.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
