Dexcom intros Stelo OTC glucose biosensor

Dexcom said its new introduction, Stelo, is the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor in the United States.

Stelo is a small biosensor worn on the back of the upper arm that leverages Dexcom’s most accurate glucose sensing technology, Dexcom noted.

The product is designed to provide the 125 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes with powerful, personalized glucose insights sent directly to a smartphone, revealing how food, exercise and sleep can affect glucose.

“Dexcom has been at the forefront of glucose biosensing for 25 years," said Jake Leach, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Dexcom. "With the launch of Stelo, we’re defining a brand-new category and once again setting the gold standard for people to easily take control of their health. Now, millions more have access to 24/7, easy-to-understand glucose insights that can inform their daily lifestyle choices and support behavior modification.”

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The company said there are benefits to glucose biosensing when used alone, or alongside other diabetes and weight management medications. Studies show the use of Dexcom glucose biosensing by people with Type 2 diabetes is associated with clinically meaningful improvement in time in range, A1c and quality of life, the company added.

“Dexcom glucose biosensors are an essential and proven tool for diabetes management – driving strong clinical outcomes regardless of medication use and even potentially slowing the progression of diabetes,” said Thomas Grace, head of clinical advocacy and outcomes at Dexcom. “In a world where GLP-1 use is becoming increasingly more common, glucose biosensors like Stelo can help make those medications more effective.”

Key features of Stelo:

• No fingersticks, ever: The only over-the-counter glucose biosensor designed for people with diabetes that doesn’t require any fingersticks, Dexcom said.
• Up to 15-day wear time and waterproof: The longest biosensor wear time on the market with the highest waterproof rating.
• A personalized, easy-to-use app: Provides daily, weekly and session summary insights that can help form healthier habits.
• Spike and pattern detection: The product features spike detection, designed to identify meaningful glucose variability as it happens so users can make informed changes.

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• Stelo improves access to critical health technology for people with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes who might not have insurance coverage for prescription glucose biosensors. Stelo is currently available for purchase in the United States at Stelo.com and is FSA and HSA eligible.
• Pay-as-you-go: Users pay $99 for a single pack of two sensors (total wear time up to 30 days.
• Monthly subscription: Subscribe and save 10%. Pay $89 per month for an ongoing subscription, with two sensors (total wear time up to 30 days‡) delivered every 30 days.