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Prediabetes
Type 2

diaTribe Reviews: Stelo by Dexcom

12 Minute Read
Stelo by Dexcom

Curious about Stelo by Dexcom? So were we. 

Stelo by Dexcom is the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in the U.S. Though specifically designed for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin, anyone 18 and older – with or without diabetes – can use the Stelo.

Since the Stelo launched in August 2024, we’ve heard lots of positive feedback. It’s easy to use, cheaper than a lot of other commercial CGMs, and of course, can be purchased without a prescription, which opens up access to diabetes technology for a lot more people. We’ve also heard some cons, including a lack of alerts for low blood sugar and not being able to view long-term data in the app. 

That said, we wanted to try the Stelo out for ourselves and give you honest feedback about our experience using the first-ever OTC CGM. Here’s what we learned.

Disclosure: diaTribe members who tried the Stelo do not have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Jim Carroll, CEO of diaTribe:

Pros: Data was actionable and easy to understand

Cons: Unable to access data after use

Overall thoughts:

Having worn a CGM previously, I didn’t have any concerns about wearing the Stelo. I was curious about what information would be provided and wondered if it was simple enough to use for the uninitiated, but robust enough to make clear how my body was experiencing changes in glucose levels.

I was pleasantly surprised by how clearly the app presented information – and how helpful the information provided was. I was able to see how food, exercise, sleep, and stress changed my glucose levels, and found myself highly motivated to make positive changes to my behaviors to spend more time in tight range. I was sort of disappointed when the 14 days were over and I no longer had access to the data. And, I have found it harder to sustain the changes I was making to improve my time in range after discontinuing the use of the sensor.

Alex Cameron, senior manager of Individual Giving at diaTribe:

Pros: Easy application, provided useful health metrics about eating habits and blood sugar

Cons: Drains battery, issues with sensor not connecting

Overall thoughts:

When I was first offered the opportunity to try the Stelo, I jumped at it because I thought it would be a great experience and a real perk to my job because I know these devices aren't cheap! 

Soon after I said yes, I felt a little nervous – I guess because I felt like it would mean I'd be tracking any “bad” choices I made and also because I wondered if the device would hurt to put on or irritate my skin. I also wondered how my children would react to it and how I'd explain it. I'm very conscious about not discussing weight and being body-positive, although we do talk about making healthy choices with food, so I came to the conclusion that I'd focus on that element.

I was interested to see the results because on the whole, I'm a healthy 41-year-old, but I could do with losing a little weight for health reasons and maybe this would help me see exactly how my choices impact my body's health.

I was also interested to see how the technology worked and how it looked using the app. Since working at diaTribe for the last year, I've read so much about CGMs and discussed them with colleagues and donors, but have not experienced one myself. 

In terms of application, I was so surprised at how easy it was to attach the CGM – I thought I did it wrong at first because it didn't hurt. The instructions were easy to follow and the app was simple to install and use.

At first, I was checking the app often because of the novelty and I soon felt guilty doing so because I know it’s a necessary device for many of my coworkers who have diabetes. It also felt like a real privilege to have this device because so many people can't afford them.  

The first day I used the Stelo I was busy at work and then had a busy evening with my kids, all of which is quite normal. I noticed that my blood sugar was very low and couldn't understand why. At first, I felt quite worried and started reading up about why that might be. Looking back, I realize that having the device was giving me instant anxiety about whether I was doing the right things and if I was healthy or not. 

As time went on, I noticed that my blood sugar levels were low quite often and it made me realize that I'm not eating when my body needs it and probably not drinking enough water – a classic case of a parent running around looking after kids and not looking after myself. I'm always reminding my youngest to eat and reminding him that it affects his mood, but I didn't notice that I'm doing the same thing! That has been a big learning for me. I'm trying to eat more regularly and healthily with more water. I've noticed a change in my mood and I'm having fewer headaches.  

After a busy day, I would sit down at 9 or 10 pm and allow myself a treat (a hot chocolate or something else sweet) and my levels were going up and then dropping right down – not good before bed. I have stopped this habit and am having a herbal tea instead. Let's see if it lasts but I think already it’s helping my sleep.

One frustration was that my phone kept dying while I was using Stelo - my old battery couldn't cope! Something I hadn't considered before is how people with diabetes must worry if their phone dies. I also lost signal quite often, even when I was near my phone (see photos for what error message came up).

 Overall, I think having the Stelo allowed me to look at my habits and think about how I can make healthier choices. You could argue that I could have done this without a CGM but I think the fact that I could see the results on an app made me take the time to think about myself.

I did feel conscious of having the CGM on. For example, I had it on during an exercise class and noticed that the teacher kept looking at it. I felt like a little bit of a liar wearing it as I imagine she thought I had diabetes and I obviously don't. I also felt very lucky overall that my pancreas works and that my body can deal with the ups and downs of my blood sugars. I felt guilty too, but explained to my kids how lucky we are. 

Matthew Garza, manager of diaTribe’s Stigma Program:

Pros: Simple to use, lots of helpful educational resources

Cons: App may be too simple, may also not be beneficial long-term for people without prediabetes or diabetes 

Overall thoughts:

I’ve been working in the diabetes field for years now and personally have tried both the Dexcom G6 and the Stelo. Obviously, the affordability perspective is great, but I am of the mindset that all of these devices should be cheaper and more accessible. 

One thing that really struck me about the Stelo is it’s super simplified. I think that can be a real benefit for people who have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes in that they’re not as overwhelmed with data – you’re not getting these huge reports. I think that’s mostly beneficial, but I would also say for someone who’s had access to that before or wants more information, it might be frustrating.

The thing I really loved is how much educational information is included. That is a huge plus because I think everyone who is using a CGM needs to have access to information about what the device is, what it’s actually measuring, and how to use that data to improve management and behaviors.

The other instance where I think the Stelo could be helpful is diagnostics. I think that A1C tests in the doctor’s office are one great option, but they’re not always affordable, doctors don’t always offer them, and people don’t know to ask for them. CGMs provide great data that can help you notice whether you’re regularly experiencing abnormal glycemic levels and could be at risk for prediabetes or diabetes.

I don’t believe that a device like the Stelo is as beneficial for people who don’t have diabetes, especially in a long-term context. I think that the information it provides is extremely helpful in a couple of scenarios, one being if you are wearing it for a short period to get data about how behaviors like food and exercise might be affecting your glucose levels in some noticeable pattern. 

But for most people, you probably won’t get that much useful information because your pancreas works like it’s supposed to. If you don’t have the physiological issues associated with prediabetes and diabetes, there’s not a lot you can or probably should be changing with the information you’re getting because your body is managing things the way it should. 

There’s also the fact that health trackers can make people susceptible to an obsession with health metrics. We probably don’t want to contribute to that if we can avoid it. I had a situation where I ate a meal – and granted, I do have some abnormal glucose levels (I’m right before the prediabetes range) – but I had some food that caused my blood sugar to go pretty high. Afterward, I worked out for probably two and a half to three hours and my glucose levels never dropped. And I felt awful. I felt like a failure, like I wasn’t doing something right.

All of this to say, the things that are so good about something like the Stelo or Lingo is that it gives people who maybe have more easily managed type 2 diabetes or prediabetes enough information to help them without overwhelming them or making them obsess over things. It’s also discrete and easy to use. 

If I was a consumer and wanted this device, I had a great experience all around. Except for when it fell off early because it got ripped off; I understood the plight of all people with diabetes who have had to toss a sensor a week early because it got ripped off while they were putting on a sweatshirt. That was very frustrating and I wish they had more options for people to get backup devices if needed. 

Anna Brooks, managing editor of diaTribe Learn:

Pros: Interactive, easy to use

Cons: No information or alerts about any time spent below range 

Overall thoughts:

As a writer and editor at diaTribe, I read, research, and write about CGMs almost every day. And while I understand in theory how CGMs work, as a person who does not live with diabetes, I’ve never actually experienced how they work. 

Dexcom SteloSo when I was offered the chance to try the Stelo for work, I was pretty excited. I would get to learn hands-on exactly what these devices I’d written about so many times do, and hopefully, allow me to better understand exactly what I’m writing about and communicate that to readers. But I also felt guilty. I do not have prediabetes or diabetes. Why should I get to try a CGM when there are lots of people out there with diabetes who really need one, but can’t access the technology due to cost, where they live, or simply because a healthcare provider isn’t willing (or doesn’t know) to prescribe one?

So, as I applied my first-ever biosensor, I kept that in mind. I did not want trying the Stelo to be a novelty. While I can’t know exactly what it’s like to have diabetes, I do know that tracking blood sugar – whether with a CGM or blood glucose meter – is more than a full-time job for people with diabetes: it’s every day, every hour, every minute.

With that said, here’s what I thought (keep in mind that this was my first time trying a CGM, so I don’t have much to compare to). The application process was quite easy, with the sensor taking about a half hour to warm up. I’ve heard that sensors can be buggy the first day, and that seemed to be the case for me. During a brisk walk, my blood sugars increased (I had assumed they would drop) and then later decreased right after a large meal, which seemed odd. I also spent a chunk of time below range and wasn’t sure why. One feature I thought the Stelo was missing was time below range numbers – it doesn’t provide any data below 70 mg/dL.

Dexcom SteloWhat I did like was that the Stelo acted like a food diary. Every time I had a spike, the app would send an alert and prompt me to pick and add notes about what caused the increase: food, exercise, or stress. I was able to then see, over time, exactly what foods and drinks caused a blood sugar spike (and how high of a spike). I do wish the app allowed you to pick more than one option – you can only pick food or exercise or stress. What if I was stress eating or mentally stressed during exercise? I could easily tell when spikes were a result of what I ate, but I couldn’t get a good sense of blood sugar spikes and drops due to exercise or stress.

So, overall, do I think the Stelo is useful? For people at risk for diabetes or have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes but are not using insulin, I would say yes. While of course a proper diagnosis can only be made through a blood test administered by a licensed healthcare professional, I do think CGMs can be useful diagnostic tools in helping detect diabetes (or prediabetes) earlier. 

For people without diabetes, I’m not as convinced of the benefits. Yes, you learn a lot about how what you eat impacts your blood sugar, which could help you be more mindful about what you’re putting in your body. While learning more about your health to optimize it is a wonderful thing, I could also see all this data being a hazard for someone with disordered eating, for example. I found myself obsessing over the data and feeling guilty seeing the sharp spike from a sip of lemonade or eating half a bread roll. I was pretty aware of my food choices before trying the Stelo, but wearing it made me hyper-aware – and I wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing. Again, I say this with some guilt knowing full well that what was a 15-day experience for me is a 24/7 reality for people living with diabetes. 

All in all, beyond learning more about my own blood sugar and eating habits, the most impactful part of trying out the Stelo for me was learning more about what people with diabetes live with every day. I hope having this knowledge will enrich what and how I write about diabetes, and hopefully, that will have some benefit for all our wonderful readers out there.

Learn more about continuous glucose monitoring here: