device syringe insulin
stelo sensor

Summary

Traditional syringe and needle. The most affordable insulin delivery option. 

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% 

Components

Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin

Syringe and Vial : Bolus Insulin

Bolus (fast-acting) insulin vial for meal time or high blood sugar correction.

Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin

Syringe and Vial : Basal Insulin

Basal (long-acting) insulin vial for steady release of insulin that helps control blood sugar between meals, and overnight.

Syringe and Vial : Needles

Syringe and Vial : Needles

Classic syringes with plunger used to fill insulin for injection

N/A

Device Details

Overview

Nothing on the body when not in use but very visible when dosing. 

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

Affordability and Access

$$$$
Syringes are available worldwide in pharmacies or DME without prescription. Price Range: $0-$300/month depending on insurance coverage.

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

Data Monitoring Options

No Options

To Be Announced 

Data View Options

No Options

To Be Announced 

Duration and Storage

28 Days 
Open vials can be stored at room temperature (not above 80º F) for up to 28 days. Unopened vials should be stored in the refrigerator (36ºF - 86ºF.) 

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

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts
A LOT
 dexterity for insertion

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

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Limited Adjustability. No way to adjust long-acting insulin for higher activity on the fly.

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. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Limited customizability. Requires a high level of engagement and effort to avoid highs and lows but can be paired with a CGM for improved blood sugar control. 

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.

Comfort

Many components. Must carry insulin vials and large syringes but nothing attached to the body. 

Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.

Easy Insulin Dosing

Requires attention. You have to do the math to figure out your dose. Unable to adjust basal in real-time.

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

Easy to Use

Many steps. Requires effort to figure out doses and deliver insulin every single time you need it.

Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.

Fewer Fingersticks

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

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

Privacy

Hideable. Vials and syringes can be hidden when not in use but very visible when in use. Frequent injections are unavoidable.

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