Stelo by Dexcom: An OTC CGM Buyer's Guide

Stelo by Dexcom is the first FDA‑cleared over‑the‑counter continuous glucose biosensor for adults 18+ who are not using insulin and do not have problematic hypoglycemia, as outlined in the FDA's clearance announcement.

You can buy it without a prescription, wear each sensor for up to 15 days, and see how your meals, exercise, and sleep affect your glucose patterns via a smartphone app, per Dexcom's announcement. This guide covers what Stelo does (and doesn't) do, how it compares to other options, what it costs, and how to get the most out of your data.

Quick answer (for shoppers)

(Details below are supported by the FDA clearance and the Stelo store page.)

• What is Stelo? An over‑the‑counter integrated CGM (iCGM) worn on the upper arm. No prescription or fingersticks required.
• Who it's for: Adults 18+ not on insulin; not for people with problematic hypoglycemia.
• Wear time: Up to 15 days per sensor, 30‑minute warmup, plus a 12‑hour grace period.
• Update cadence: App shows new trends about every 15 minutes (the sensor checks glucose more often and sends the data in batches).
• Alerts: No low‑ or high‑glucose alarms.
• Price: The store currently lists a two‑sensor pack at $99 and a monthly subscription delivery at $99—check the page for the latest.
• Where to buy: Direct from Stelo.com.
• HSA/FSA: Typically eligible.

What Stelo is (and isn't)

Stelo is an integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM) you wear on the back of your upper arm. It continuously measures glucose and sends data via Bluetooth to a mobile app so you can view current values and trend patterns throughout the day, per the FDA clearance. It's designed to help you connect daily choices—like breakfast, a workout, or poor sleep—to glucose responses so you can build healthier habits over time, according to the Dexcom provider overview.

Important limitations to know

(The following limitations come from the FDA clearance.)

• No real‑time low‑glucose alarms. Stelo doesn't provide hypoglycemia alerts, so it's not intended for people who rely on alarms to manage dangerous lows.
• Not for insulin users or those with problematic hypoglycemia. The FDA indication specifically excludes these groups.
• Not a substitute for medical judgment. If readings don't match how you feel, check with a clinician; don't change medications without medical guidance (Dexcom announcement).

Who tends to benefit from Stelo

• Adults with type 2 diabetes managed without insulin who want more feedback than occasional fingersticks and are focused on time‑in‑range and A1C improvement (Dexcom provider overview).
• People with prediabetes or health‑focused individuals curious about how diet, exercise, or sleep affect their glucose patterns (FDA clearance).
• Anyone on lifestyle or GLP‑1 therapy who wants objective data to reinforce behavior change (Dexcom provider overview).

Specs and setup at a glance

• Wear time: Up to 15 days per sensor; 30‑minute warmup; 12‑hour grace period at end of session (Stelo store).
• Updates: The app displays readings/trends about every 15 minutes; internally the sensor calculates more frequently and sends data to the app in 15‑minute intervals (Levels support).
• Phone requirements: iOS 16.2+ or Android 12+, Bluetooth on; keep the phone within ~20 ft for steady connectivity (Stelo store; Levels support).
• Waterproofing: Rated up to 8 ft (2.4 m) for 24 hours (Stelo store).
• Kit contents: Two applicators with all‑in‑one sensor/transmitter plus overpatches; no separate receiver required (Stelo store).

Accuracy and safety, in plain English

The FDA cleared Stelo as an OTC iCGM and noted its performance was comparable to other iCGMs studied, with potential minor side effects such as local irritation or discomfort (see the FDA announcement). Stelo doesn't require fingerstick calibrations and stores up to 24 hours of data if it loses connection, pushing updates when the phone reconnects (Levels support). It is labeled MR‑unsafe—remove it before MRI/CT/diathermy procedures (Stelo store).

Where Stelo shines is behavior change: CGM data can help many adults with type 2 diabetes spend more time in range and lower A1C with consistent use (Dexcom provider overview).

Pricing, subscriptions, and HSA/FSA

• One‑time vs subscription: Buy a two‑pack or set up ongoing deliveries. Stelo notes HSA/FSA eligibility for many buyers (Stelo store).
• Returns: All sales are final; review the terms before purchasing (Stelo store).

Stelo vs other glucose sensors—and when to choose each

• Stelo (OTC): Best for non‑insulin users seeking lifestyle feedback without alarms. Up to 15‑day wear; trend updates about every 15 minutes (FDA clearance).
• Dexcom G7 (Rx): Best if you need real‑time alerts or insurance coverage. Prescription required; 10‑day wear; widely covered by insurers (FDA 510(k) summary for G7).
• Abbott Libre Rio (OTC): Best if you want an OTC option with a broad measurement range (40–400 mg/dL). Up to 15‑day wear; no alarms, according to the FDA 510(k) summary and an Abbott press release.

If you're deciding between OTC sensors, weigh features by your goal:

• For wellness insights and habit tuning, prioritize a clear app experience and pattern detection.
• For long‑term behavior tracking on a budget, focus on wear time, subscription pricing, and reliability.
• If you're prone to symptomatic lows/highs or want proactive alerts, choose a prescription CGM with alarms (e.g., G7) instead of an alert‑free OTC sensor.
• If you expect very high or very low readings, a wider measurement range (e.g., Libre Rio's 40–400 mg/dL) can capture more of your data.

How to apply Stelo (step‑by‑step)

• Choose site: Back of the upper arm. Avoid tattoos, scars, or irritated skin (Stelo store).
• Prep skin: Wash and dry thoroughly. Use an alcohol wipe; let dry completely.
• Apply: Use the all‑in‑one applicator to insert the sensor. Press firmly per on‑screen instructions.
• Secure: Apply the included overpatch for extra hold—especially for workouts, swimming, or hot weather.
• Pair app: Open the Stelo app, complete the 30‑minute warmup, and confirm readings appear.
• Maintain: Keep your phone within ~20 feet, Bluetooth on, and the app active to minimize data gaps (Levels support).

Troubleshooting tips

• Signal drops: Stelo stores up to 24 hours of data and backfills when your phone reconnects. Keep Bluetooth on and stay within range (Levels support).
• Skin irritation: Rotate arms each session and use the overpatch to reduce edge lift. If redness, pain, or swelling persists, stop use and contact a clinician (see FDA announcement).
• Sensor ends early: Most sensors last the full 15 days, but some will end earlier—if your session ends prematurely or you see repeated early shutdowns, contact Stelo support for replacement eligibility and troubleshooting (Stelo store).
• MRI/CT/diathermy: Do not wear during imaging or diathermy; Stelo is labeled MR‑unsafe (Stelo store).

Make your data actionable: coaching cues that work

Use Stelo like a coach on your arm—observe, adjust, repeat:

• Breakfast experiment: Try a protein‑forward breakfast vs a refined‑carb breakfast and compare post‑meal peaks and the 2‑ to 3‑hour return to baseline.
• Take a post‑meal walk to manage peaks: A 10–15‑minute walk after higher‑carb meals often leads to gentler peaks and faster recovery—an effect detailed in our guide on how exercise lowers blood sugar.
• Sleep and late eating: Compare identical dinners eaten 3–4 hours earlier vs right before bed; track overnight stability.
• GLP‑1 users: Use Stelo to confirm you're improving time‑in‑range as appetite changes and intake patterns shift (Dexcom provider overview).

The BodySpec take: tie data to outcomes

Glucose is one piece of the metabolic puzzle. If your goal is to lower visceral fat, improve insulin sensitivity, and keep more lean mass, consider pairing Stelo data with periodic DEXA scans to validate the "inside" changes you're making on the outside. For how DEXA tracks fat, muscle, and bone with medical‑grade precision, see The DEXA Scan: Body Fat, Muscle, and Bone Density Testing. For how CGMs support behavior change for weight management, read CGM for Weight Loss: A Data‑Driven Guide. Ready to track real body‑composition change alongside your CGM insights? Book your DEXA scan.

FAQs

How long does each Stelo sensor last?
Up to 15 days per sensor, with a 30‑minute warmup and a 12‑hour grace period at session end (Stelo store).

Is Stelo covered by insurance?
Stelo is an OTC product you can buy without a prescription; it's typically HSA/FSA eligible, but traditional insurance coverage isn't guaranteed—check your benefits (Stelo store).

Does Stelo have alarms for lows or highs?
No. Stelo is an alert‑free app experience and is not designed to warn about hypoglycemia (FDA clearance).

How often will I see new data?
The app displays updated readings and trends about every 15 minutes; the sensor calculates internally more frequently and batches transmissions (Levels support).

Can people without diabetes use Stelo?
Yes—adults 18+ not using insulin and without problematic hypoglycemia can use Stelo to see how diet, exercise, and sleep affect glucose patterns (FDA clearance).

How does Stelo compare to Dexcom G7?
Stelo is OTC and alert‑free for non‑insulin users; G7 is prescription‑based with alerts and is often covered by insurance for insulin users or those at risk of hypoglycemia.

What results should I expect?
If you have type 2 diabetes not using insulin, real‑world experience with Dexcom CGMs shows many people improve time‑in‑range and A1C with ongoing use; Stelo aims to bring those behavioral benefits OTC (Dexcom provider overview). If you're using Stelo for general wellness, expect insight into how your specific meals, workouts, and sleep patterns influence glucose swings—feedback you can use to fine‑tune meal composition, activity timing, and recovery habits.