ZDNET's key takeaways The Stelo by Dexcom is an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor that uses sensors to track glucose levels and export data to your smartphone.
The app utilizes generative AI to provide lifestyle recommendations and share data with your healthcare provider.
However, it needs needs additional features in future iterations to offer a more comprehensive experience. $99 at Amazon
I was diagnosed as prediabetic and insulin resistant during middle school, and ever since, I've been dedicated to taking care of my metabolic health, trying to reverse the diagnoses that have followed me into adulthood. I've witnessed the benefits that a reliable CGM can have on my health thanks to Abbott's Lingo, which I tested earlier this year.
Also: This OTC glucose monitor encouraged me to change my eating habits - here's how
So, when Dexcom sent me its Stelo, the first over-the-counter CGM to hit the market last year, I was eager to see what it could do for my health and compare it to the Abbott Lingo. According to Dexcom, the Stelo has a 93% accuracy rate, so I compared the Stelo's results against a traditional finger-stick monitor during my two-week testing period. Here's how it went.
Applying the sensor
Before you can begin tracking, you'll need to apply the sensor. The app provides step-by-step instructions, and you essentially stamp it onto the back of your arm, about three inches away from any injection sites, and in an area with enough fat.
The Stelo utilizes a button to trigger the sensor's application, deploying a flexible needle. I felt some adrenaline and heat in the area, but these sensations disappeared after a few minutes. This was the worst part of the process. The needle didn't feel like a traditional shot from the doctor's office, but more like getting your ears pierced with a piercing gun. Plus, Stelo's sensor is a bit smaller than Lingo's, so I thought it was a more convenient fit on the back of my arm.
Also: I tested a $49 OTC continuous glucose monitor for two weeks - here's what I learned
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