Key Statistics: The Stelo CGM represents a significant shift in diabetes management accessibility. With 1 in 4 adults over 65 living with diabetes and CGM adoption among Medicare beneficiaries increasing over 300% since 2020, the demand for glucose monitoring has never been higher. Stelo’s 15-day sensor wear time and approximately $99/month cost without insurance makes continuous glucose monitoring available to millions of adults who previously had no access to this technology.
Stelo is Dexcom’s groundbreaking over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor—the first CGM available without a prescription in the United States. The Stelo OTC CGM system makes it easier for people to track their glucose without a prescription. Approved by the FDA in August 2024, Stelo opens the door for millions of people who want to monitor their glucose without visiting a doctor first. Here’s everything seniors need to know about this new option.
Key Statistics: The Stelo CGM represents a significant shift in diabetes management accessibility. With 1 in 4 adults over 65 living with diabetes and CGM adoption among Medicare beneficiaries increasing over 300% since 2020, the demand for glucose monitoring has never been higher. Stelo’s 15-day sensor wear time and approximately $99/month cost without insurance makes continuous glucose monitoring available to millions of adults who previously had no access to this technology.
About This Guide: This guide is based on official product specifications from Dexcom Stelo and FDA clearance documentation. Our recommendations follow current medical guidance for non-insulin-dependent glucose monitoring and are reviewed for accuracy by certified diabetes educators.
Related Reading: If you’re considering prescription CGM options instead, see our Dexcom G7 vs FreeStyle Libre 3 Comparison Guide. Already have a CGM? Check out our CGM Sensor Insertion Tips for Seniors for step-by-step guidance.
What Is Stelo?
Quick Answer: Stelo is Dexcom’s over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor—the first CGM available without a prescription in the United States. It’s a biosensor worn on your upper arm that measures glucose levels continuously, designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes (not using insulin) or prediabetes.
Stelo OTC CGM is a biosensor worn on the back of your upper arm that continuously measures glucose levels in the fluid under your skin. Unlike prescription CGMs like Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre, Stelo can be purchased directly from Dexcom or retail stores without needing a prescription or doctor’s visit.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Stelo Specifications |
|---|---|
| Sensor Wear Time | 15 days |
| Prescription Required | No (OTC) |
| Cost | ~$99 for 2 sensors (1 month) |
| Insurance Coverage | Not covered (OTC product) |
| Target Users | Type 2 (non-insulin) and prediabetes |
| App Required | Yes (Stelo app for smartphone) |
| Warm-Up Time | ~1 hour |
| Water Resistant | Yes |
Who Is Stelo For?
Stelo is specifically designed for adults 18 and older who:
- Have Type 2 diabetes and do NOT take insulin
- Have prediabetes and want to monitor glucose trends
- Want to understand how food, exercise, and lifestyle affect blood sugar
- Cannot or do not want to get a prescription for a traditional CGM
Important: Stelo is NOT intended for people who take insulin, have Type 1 diabetes, or need to make treatment decisions based on CGM readings. If you use insulin, you should use a prescription CGM like Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre that’s designed for insulin dosing decisions.
Cost Considerations
Because Stelo is an over-the-counter product, it works differently from prescription CGMs:
- No insurance coverage: Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance do not cover OTC products
- Out-of-pocket expense: Approximately $99 per month (2 sensors lasting 15 days each)
- HSA/FSA eligible: You may be able to use health savings account funds
- No copay complications: Straightforward pricing without insurance hassles
For seniors on a fixed budget, this predictable monthly cost can be easier to manage than navigating insurance coverage, though it may be more expensive than a Medicare-covered CGM in the long run.
Stelo vs. Prescription CGMs
Here’s how Stelo compares to popular prescription options:
| Feature | Stelo (OTC) | Dexcom G7 | FreeStyle Libre 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor Life | 15 days | 10 days | 14 days |
| Medicare Coverage | No | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly Cost | ~$99 (cash) | $0-50 (with Medicare) | $0-40 (with Medicare) |
| Real-time Alerts | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| For Insulin Users | No | Yes | Yes |
Advantages of Stelo for Seniors
Quick Answer: Stelo’s main advantages include no prescription required, longer 15-day sensor life, simple retail purchasing, privacy from healthcare providers, and an educational focus on understanding how lifestyle affects glucose.
- No doctor visit required: Skip the appointment and get started immediately
- Longer sensor life: 15-day sensors mean fewer changes
- Simple purchasing: Buy online or at retail stores
- Educational focus: Helps you learn how lifestyle choices affect glucose
- Privacy: No need to share data with healthcare providers
Limitations to Consider
Quick Answer: Key limitations include no insurance coverage (full out-of-pocket cost), not suitable for insulin users, limited alert features compared to prescription CGMs, smartphone requirement (no standalone reader), and no caregiver data sharing.
- No insurance coverage: You pay the full cost out-of-pocket
- Not for insulin users: Designed for non-insulin Type 2 and prediabetes only
- Limited alerts: Fewer alarm features than prescription CGMs
- Smartphone required: Must use the Stelo app (no standalone reader option)
- No sharing features: Cannot share data with caregivers or family
Should You Choose Stelo or a Prescription CGM?
Quick Answer: Choose Stelo if you have non-insulin Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and want prescription-free access. Choose a prescription CGM if you use insulin, have Medicare coverage, need real-time alerts, or want caregiver data sharing.
Choose Stelo if you:
- Have Type 2 diabetes and don’t use insulin
- Have prediabetes and want glucose insights
- Want to avoid doctor visits for a CGM prescription
- Prefer straightforward cash pricing over insurance complexity
Choose a prescription CGM if you:
- Use insulin or have Type 1 diabetes
- Have Medicare coverage that would reduce your costs
- Need real-time alerts for high or low glucose
- Want to share data with caregivers or healthcare providers
Related Resources for Seniors
Explore more CGM guides designed specifically for older adults:
- Dexcom G7 vs FreeStyle Libre 3 Comparison – Complete guide to prescription CGM options
- CGM Sensor Insertion Tips for Seniors – Step-by-step insertion guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Stelo OTC CGM
Do I need a prescription for Stelo CGM?
Quick Answer: No, Stelo is the first FDA-cleared over-the-counter CGM in the United States. You can purchase it directly from Dexcom’s website or retail stores without a doctor’s prescription. This makes it accessible for seniors who want glucose monitoring without a medical visit.
How much does Stelo cost without insurance?
Quick Answer: Stelo costs approximately $99 per month for two sensors (each lasting 15 days). Because it’s an OTC product, insurance including Medicare does not cover it. However, HSA/FSA funds can typically be used, and the straightforward pricing avoids insurance complexity.
Who should use Stelo vs a prescription CGM?
Quick Answer: Stelo is designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin, or those with prediabetes wanting glucose insights. If you use insulin, have Type 1 diabetes, or qualify for Medicare CGM coverage, a prescription CGM like Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3 is more appropriate and often more cost-effective.
Does Stelo have real-time alerts?
Quick Answer: Stelo has limited alert features compared to prescription CGMs. It focuses on showing glucose trends and patterns rather than providing urgent high/low alerts. For seniors who need immediate notification of dangerous glucose levels, prescription CGMs offer more comprehensive alarm systems.
Can seniors on insulin use Stelo?
Quick Answer: No, Stelo is specifically NOT intended for people who take insulin. If you use insulin, you need a prescription CGM designed for insulin dosing decisions, such as Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3. These devices have the safety features and accuracy certifications needed for insulin management.
The Bottom Line
Stelo represents an exciting development in glucose monitoring—making CGM technology accessible to millions who previously couldn’t access it. For seniors with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who don’t use insulin, Stelo offers a convenient, prescription-free way to understand how your body responds to food, exercise, and daily activities.
However, if you have Medicare coverage and qualify for a prescription CGM, you may find that Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3 is more cost-effective and offers more features. The best choice depends on your individual health needs, insurance situation, and glucose monitoring goals.
Have questions about whether Stelo or a prescription CGM is right for you? Contact us at 727-831-3729 for personalized guidance.
