stelo sensor
Meter

Summary

Dexcom Stelo is the first over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 15 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. 

*Recently FDA approved for people 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Expected availability is summer 2024.  

MARD of 9.2% 

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Fingersticks required.

Components

N/A
Generic Meter : Lancets

Generic Meter : Lancets

Tiny needle called a lancet is used to poke the skin (on a finger or on your arm) to get a small sample of blood. The lancing device is packaged with the glucometer.

Generic Meter : Test Strips

Generic Meter : Test Strips

The strips work with the glucose meters to “read” blood sugar levels. One box of test trips usually contains between 25-50 single use strips.

Meter : Glucometer

Meter : Glucometer

The meter measures the amount of sugar in the small sample of blood that is placed on the disposable test strip. Most CGMs require testing blood sugar with a meter to calibrate the CGM device daily.

Device Details

Overview

Small all-in-one sensor/transmitter with a quick warm-up period and can be worn in multiple areas.

Good to have. Tried and true. Backup or day to day. Finger-sticks required.

Affordability and Access

$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Pricing is to be announced in summer 2024. Price expected to be low to allow for over the counter distribution. 

$$$$
Most accessible. Available over the counter at all Pharmacies. Price range; $0-$200/month depending on insurance coverage.

Data Monitoring Options

To Be Announced 

Limited Options
Data is available directly on the device. Some meters may be compatible with the Tidepool data management system. 

Data View Options

To Be Announced 

Yes
Data may be viewed directly on the device. Some meters contain a built-in USB connection that allows information to be uploaded to a data management system. 

Duration and Storage

15 Days
Sensors last 15 days. They are purchased over the counter. Works at 50ºF – 108ºF

Daily
Meters can last several years with battery changes/charging, they're used daily and work between 65ºF-86°F

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

YES text-to-speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
A LOT of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
A LOT of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Waterproof when submerged in 2.4 meters of water and must be within 20 (unobstructed) feet of the receiver or mobile device. This device is intended to help people with non-insulin requiring type 2 diabetes better understand their blood sugar numbers. 

Must pause activity to check blood sugar.

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Very limited alerts. This device does not provide alarms and alerts for high, low, and rise/fall rates. This device is intended to track and understand the effects of food on blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.

Less data. Meters don't give as much blood sugar data as sensors do and require a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows.

Comfort

Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.

Meter supplies carried and requires visible blood.

Easy Insulin Dosing

No options. Stelo is intended for use by people with type 2 diabetes who do not require insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. 

Limited features. No info on blood sugar trends.

Easy to Use

Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.

Large display. Device typically has large display numbers for easier readouts, and it's very simple to operate.

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.

Frequent fingersticks are unavoidable.

Privacy

Small sensor. Discreet and thin sensor that is easy to hide under clothing. 

No attached device for blood glucose monitoring.