stelo sensor
libre 3 device image

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% 

The FreeStyle Libre 3 is the smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter CGM and lasts 14 days. This sensor sends minute-by-minute glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app and only needs fingersticks as backup. Optional low and high blood sugar notifications are available for this system. 

FDA approved for insertion on the back of the upper arm (ages 4 years and older).

 

MARD of 7.9%.

Components

N/A
Freestyle Libre 3 : Sensor

Freestyle Libre 3 : Sensor

Sensor uses a thin, flexible filament inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels every minute. Push-button applicator allows sensor to be placed on the body in one step.

Freestyle Libre 3 : Receiver

Freestyle Libre 3 : Receiver

Conveniently access glucose readings using a reader, smartphone, or both. Available for both iOS and Android devices.

Device Details

Overview

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

Smallest, thinnest, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter with low and high blood glucose alarms can be worn on the upper arm.

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. 

$$$$
Widely covered. Provided by pharmacies. Price range; $0-$100/month. Often the cheapest and easier to access sensor. 

Data Monitoring Options

To Be Announced 

Yes
Sensor automatically sends data to the user’s LibreView account which enables sharing with HCPs and caregivers.

Data View Options

To Be Announced 

Yes
Freestyle Libre 3 app or Libre by Abbott provides glucose readings and alarms, multiple data views, the ability to share glucose data and real-time alarms with LibreLinkUp, and the ability to connect to a clinician's practice through LibreView. 

Duration and Storage

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

14 Days
Sensors last 14 days and work between 50ºF - 113ºF. They are shipped in orders of 1-3 months at a time - which is 2-6 boxes at a time.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

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

NO text to speech
YES 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. 

Water-resistant for up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes and light on the body, does not get in the way of activity. 

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.

Optional glucose alerts for low and high glucose levels. Trend arrows show the direction glucose is heading, with the rate of change. 

Comfort

Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.

Lowest profile sensor and smallest adhesive (about the size of two stacked U.S pennies). 

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. 

Sensor trends can be used for dose adjustment.

Easy to Use

Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.

No scanning required. Minute-by-minute readings are sent directly to the mobile app. 

Fewer Fingersticks

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

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

Privacy

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

Hypoglycemia safety alarm. Discreet size but built-in hypoglycemia safety alarm alerts users when glucose is below 55 mg/dl and is always on.