Stelo is an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor developed by Dexcom and cleared by the FDA in March 2024. It is the first CGM adults can buy without a prescription in the United States, and it is designed for people 18 and older who are not on insulin.
What Stelo Is and Who It Is For
Stelo is a biosensor patch worn on the back of the upper arm. A small filament under the skin measures interstitial glucose, and a paired smartphone app displays a new reading every 15 minutes. Each sensor lasts up to 15 days, and users typically purchase a two-sensor monthly subscription. Stelo is cleared for adults with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, adults with prediabetes, and general-wellness users who want to see how lifestyle choices affect their glucose.
Stelo is not cleared for people with type 1 diabetes, people who use insulin, children, or anyone with a history of severe hypoglycemia. It does not have urgent low alarms designed for insulin dosing decisions and should not be used to guide medication changes without clinical oversight.
How the Stelo CGM Works
The sensor contains a glucose oxidase enzyme that generates a small electrical signal proportional to the glucose concentration in interstitial fluid. The signal is processed by the transmitter and algorithm, then sent via Bluetooth to the Stelo app. Unlike Dexcom G7, which refreshes every five minutes, Stelo publishes a reading every 15 minutes — enough for pattern recognition but deliberately less granular than medical-dosing systems.
Setup takes about 10 minutes. You pair the sensor to the app, apply the adhesive patch, and press the disposable inserter against the upper arm. After a 30-minute warm-up period, readings begin appearing on the phone. The app shows a live value, a trend arrow, and a 24-hour glucose graph.
Stelo Compared with Other CGM Options
| Feature | Stelo | Dexcom G7 | FreeStyle Libre 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Approved for insulin users | No | Yes | Yes |
| Reading interval | Every 15 minutes | Every 5 minutes | Every 1 minute |
| Wear time | Up to 15 days | Up to 10 days | Up to 14 days |
| Urgent low alarm | No | Yes | Yes |
The table highlights why Stelo is positioned as a wellness product. It captures glucose trends but deliberately omits urgent alarms that people on insulin rely on.
How Accurate Is Stelo?
Stelo uses a biosensor that is closely related to the Dexcom G7. Dexcom reports a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) around 9 to 10 percent for the G7 platform, which is the comparator most clinicians cite. Stelo’s lower refresh rate is a product decision, not an accuracy ceiling. Because Stelo is not intended for insulin dosing, the FDA cleared it under less stringent hypoglycemia-alerting standards.
Normal interstitial-fluid lag of 5 to 15 minutes still applies, so readings during meals, exercise, or rapid glucose change may trail actual blood glucose. If a Stelo reading does not match how you feel, confirm with a finger-stick meter and contact your clinician if symptoms continue.
What You Can Learn from the Data
Stelo reports time in range, time above range, and time below range, plus daily glucose variability. For many users the biggest insight is the post-meal curve. Seeing how oatmeal, a bagel, or a protein-heavy plate affects the next two hours can reshape food choices. Some users also spot overnight glucose drift tied to alcohol, poor sleep, or a late dinner.
Tracking glucose in this way often pairs well with attention to diet and nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep. Stelo does not replace an A1C test; the two give different views of glucose control. Share both with your clinician for the clearest picture.
Limitations and Things to Watch
Because Stelo is sold over the counter, most insurance plans do not cover it. HSA and FSA funds typically apply, but be sure to check your plan. The Stelo app lives only on your phone and does not generate the ambulatory glucose profile reports many clinics use. It is not cleared for children, pregnant people, or insulin users, and wearers should not make medication changes on their own based on Stelo data alone.
Rare side effects from adhesives include skin irritation, redness, or itching. If you notice signs of infection at the sensor site, remove it and contact a clinician. Always rotate sites and follow the product instructions for cleaning and application.
The Bottom Line
Stelo is the first over-the-counter CGM in the United States and a meaningful step toward broader access to glucose data. It is appropriate for adults 18 and older who are not on insulin and who want lifestyle insight into how meals, exercise, and stress affect their glucose. It is not a substitute for a prescription CGM, an A1C test, or clinical judgment. Talk to your clinician before using any glucose device to guide health decisions.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medical device or therapy.
