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Clinical / medical-grade · Patch / sensor · by Dexcom
Dexcom Stelo
The first OTC continuous glucose biosensor — FDA-cleared, no prescription, but app-walled and not for insulin users.
August 2024Dexcom Stelo
Mid-cycle1 yr 10 mo old
API access: No Raw data access: Yes — restricted Open source: Community
Clinical value
78/100
First OTC FDA-cleared CGM
Empowerment
58/100
App-walled; recurring cost
Everyday value
58/100
15-day sensor, single-purpose
The first FDA-cleared over-the-counter continuous glucose biosensor — no prescription, built on the Dexcom G7 platform — aimed at adults not on insulin. Strong accuracy, but the data is fairly walled and it carries a recurring cost.
What it measures
Continuous interstitial glucose 24/7, with readings and trends in the app every 15 minutes; 15-day sensor wear. No urgent-low alarm.
Regulatory status
FDA-cleared — the first OTC integrated CGM (De Novo, March 2024). For adults 18+ not on insulin; explicitly not for problematic hypoglycemia or insulin dosing.
Validation & accuracy
MARD ~10% (Dexcom G7 platform); clinical performance similar to other iCGMs.
Data control & export
Raw data: restricted — in-app weekly/spike reports and an Oura app integration, but no Clarity-style CSV export for Stelo consumers. API: none for consumers.
Wearability & battery
A small adhesive arm sensor worn 15 days; no charging, replaced each cycle. Largely forgettable, single-purpose.
Cost & access
OTC. Pay-as-you-go ~$99 per 2-sensor (30-day) pack, or ~$89/month subscription. HSA/FSA-eligible; not insurance-covered.
Who it serves
People without diabetes, with prediabetes, or with non-insulin type 2 who want to see how food and activity affect glucose.
Who is left out or burdened
Recurring ~$89–99/month cost with no insurance; not for insulin users; data is fairly walled.
✓ Strengths
- First FDA-cleared OTC CGM — no prescription
- ~10% MARD on the Dexcom G7 platform
- Glucose insight for non-diabetic and prediabetic users
- HSA/FSA-eligible; Oura app integration
✕ Weaknesses
- Not for insulin users; no urgent-low alarm
- App-walled — no CSV export for consumers
- Recurring ~$89–99/month cost, no insurance
- Single-purpose sensor with ongoing resupply
78
Why this clinical score. A genuine OTC FDA clearance with ~10% MARD makes it clinically credible; held below prescription CGMs because it omits insulin-dosing use and urgent-low alarms.
58
Why this empowerment score. No prescription helps, but a walled app with no CSV export and a recurring subscription cost cap empowerment mid-range.
58
Why this everyday score. Comfortable and forgettable, but single-purpose with recurring sensor cost.
Latest news
Reviews & coverage
Reviewers see Stelo as an approachable over-the-counter CGM for the curious and pre-diabetic, with a clean app and no prescription. Critics note it omits real-time urgent-low alarms and can prompt over-interpretation of normal glucose.
Summary is a draft synthesis of public coverage, not an endorsement. Links open a search of each outlet.
Reddit communities
Independent user communities where this device (or its category) is discussed.
Get it · manuals & support
Draft profile · public-source review, June 2026 · scores describe direction and degree, not buying advice. News, links, and prices change — verify with the manufacturer. Image is representative.