Stelo Glucose Biosensor System Review: From My Personal Experience

If you’re looking to take control of your health without the hassle of prescriptions or fingersticks, the Stelo Glucose Biosensor System by Dexcom is worth your attention.

As the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) in the U.S., it’s a groundbreaking tool for anyone curious about how food, exercise, or sleep impacts their glucose levels.

I’ve tested it myself, and it’s a user-friendly, insightful device that empowers you to make smarter lifestyle choices.

Whether you’re managing prediabetes or just want to optimize your wellness, Stelo delivers real-time data to guide you.

My Experience With Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

When I first heard about the Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, I was intrigued by the idea of tracking my glucose levels without needing a doctor’s note. As someone who’s always been curious about how my body responds to my daily habits—those late-night snacks or morning runs—I decided to give it a try.

Unboxing the kit felt sleek and modern, with two sensors neatly packed, each promising up to 15 days of wear. The instructions were straightforward, and the app setup was a breeze, guiding me through pairing the sensor with my phone in under five minutes.

Applying the sensor to the back of my upper arm was simpler than I expected. You press a button on the applicator, and a tiny filament slips under your skin—painless, I promise. I felt a slight pinch, but 96% of users report mild or no pain, and I’m in that camp.

After a 30-minute warm-up, the app started showing my glucose levels every 15 minutes. I was amazed at how my body reacted to different foods. A carb-heavy pasta dinner sent my glucose spiking above 140 mg/dL, which stressed me out at first. But seeing it drop after a short walk was eye-opening.

Over two weeks, I learned how my sleep (or lack thereof) and stress affected my readings. One night, after a restless sleep, my fasting glucose was higher than usual, which made me rethink my bedtime routine. The app’s clean interface showed trends over 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours, helping me connect the dots between my habits and glucose fluctuations.

Pairing it with my Oura Ring via the app gave me a fuller picture of my health, blending glucose data with sleep and activity metrics. It wasn’t perfect—sometimes the sensor felt bulky under tight shirts—but the insights were worth it. By the end, I was hooked on the data and motivated to tweak my diet and exercise to keep my levels steady.

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Pros Of Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

No Prescription Needed: You can buy Stelo directly from Dexcom’s website or retailers like Amazon, making it accessible for anyone 18 or older who’s not on insulin. No doctor’s visit, no paperwork—just order and go.
Painless Application: The applicator is a one-button wonder, inserting a tiny filament under your skin with minimal discomfort. I barely felt it, and the adhesive patch kept it secure through showers and workouts.
Real-Time Insights: Stelo updates your glucose levels every 15 minutes, showing trends and patterns in the app. It helped me see how my morning coffee or post-meal walks affected my numbers in real time.
Waterproof Design: Rated to withstand submersion up to 8 feet for 24 hours, Stelo held up during my swims and sweaty gym sessions. Just keep your phone close for readings in water.
Long Wear Time: Each sensor lasts up to 15 days, with a 12-hour grace period. That’s less frequent replacements compared to some competitors, saving you time and hassle.
App Integration: Stelo syncs with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, and Oura, letting you combine glucose data with other health metrics for a holistic view.
Affordable Pricing: At $99 for two sensors (or less with subscriptions), Stelo is budget-friendly compared to prescription CGMs, especially if you’re using FSA/HSA funds.
Free Replacements: If a sensor fails before 15 days, Dexcom sends a new one at no cost, which gave me peace of mind when one sensor loosened after 11 days.

Cons Of Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

No Alerts For Low Glucose: Unlike the Dexcom G7, Stelo doesn’t notify you of dangerously low or high glucose levels. If you’re prone to hypoglycemia, this could be a dealbreaker.
Limited Low-End Readings: The app only shows “below 70” for low glucose, leaving you guessing if your levels are 68 or critically lower, like 42. This vagueness frustrated me during testing.
Sensor Adhesion Issues: About 20% of sensors may not last the full 15 days, and mine detached early once. Keeping the patch dry helps, but it’s not foolproof.
Not For Insulin Users: Stelo is designed for non-insulin users, so if you’re managing Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent Type 2, you’ll need a prescription CGM like the G7.
Basic App Analytics: While the app is user-friendly, it lacks advanced features like long-term data trends or detailed meal logging compared to third-party apps like Nutrisense.
Android 15 Incompatibility: At the time of my testing, the Stelo app didn’t support Android 15, which could be a hassle for users with newer devices.
Skin Sensitivity Risk: Some users report irritation at the sensor site. I didn’t experience this, but if you have sensitive skin, you might need to monitor closely.

Maintenance Tips For Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

Proper Application Is Key: Place the sensor on the back of your upper arm, avoiding overly muscular areas. Clean the skin with alcohol and ensure it’s dry before pressing the applicator firmly to avoid early detachment.
Use The Overpatch: The included overpatch reinforces adhesion, especially during sweaty workouts or showers. I applied it evenly around the sensor, which helped it stay put longer.
Keep It Dry When Possible: While Stelo is waterproof, keeping the sensor dry extends its life. Pat it gently after showers or swims, and avoid soaking it unnecessarily.
Store Sensors Correctly: Keep unopened sensors at room temperature or in the fridge (36°F to 86°F), but never freeze them. I stored mine in a cool drawer to ensure they worked properly.
Rotate Insertion Sites: Switch arms with each new sensor to prevent skin irritation. I alternated between my left and right arm, which kept my skin happy.
Check App Compatibility: Before buying, confirm your phone runs iOS 16.2 or Android 12 or higher. Visit stelo.com/compatibility to avoid connectivity issues.
Monitor For Issues: If the sensor stops sending data or detaches early, contact Stelo’s support via the app’s SteloBot or live agents. They replaced my faulty sensor quickly.
Log Activities In The App: Track meals, exercise, and sleep in the app to spot patterns. I found logging my dinners helped me understand why my glucose spiked some nights.

Comparison With Other Brands

Dexcom G7

The Dexcom G7 is a prescription-only CGM tailored for insulin-dependent users, unlike Stelo’s over-the-counter accessibility. It offers real-time alerts for high and low glucose levels, which Stelo lacks, making it critical for Type 1 diabetics or those with severe hypoglycemia. The G7’s 10-day wear time is shorter than Stelo’s 15 days, but its clinical-grade accuracy and insulin pump integration make it a powerhouse for medical management. However, it’s pricier and requires a doctor’s approval, limiting its accessibility compared to Stelo’s $99 two-pack.

Abbott’s Lingo

Lingo by Abbott, another OTC CGM, targets wellness-focused users rather than those with diabetes. Its app is simpler, focusing on general health insights, but it only syncs with Apple Health, not Android, which frustrated some users. Stelo’s broader compatibility and longer wear time give it an edge. Lingo’s analytics are less robust, but its sleek design and coaching features appeal to biohackers. Pricing is similar, but Stelo’s FDA clearance for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes makes it more versatile.

Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 3

Freestyle Libre 3, a prescription CGM, competes closely with the G7 for insulin users. It offers 14-day wear and high accuracy but requires a prescription, unlike Stelo. Its app provides detailed analytics and alerts, surpassing Stelo’s basic features. However, the Libre 3’s cost can be steep without insurance, and it’s less suited for non-diabetic users curious about lifestyle tracking. Stelo’s ease of access and lower price point make it a better fit for casual health monitoring.

Nutrisense With Stelo

Nutrisense enhances Stelo’s capabilities by pairing it with their app, offering advanced analytics and dietitian support. Unlike Stelo’s basic app, Nutrisense provides meal scoring and personalized coaching, ideal for those seeking deeper insights. However, it comes at an additional cost ($35 for app access or more for full plans), which can outweigh Stelo’s budget appeal. Nutrisense’s focus on expert guidance makes it a premium choice, but Stelo alone suffices for straightforward tracking.

Oura Ring Integration

Oura Ring integration with Stelo combines glucose data with sleep and activity metrics, creating a holistic health picture. Unlike standalone CGMs, Oura’s app emphasizes long-term trends, but it requires owning an Oura Ring, adding significant cost. Stelo’s standalone functionality and lower price make it more accessible, though Oura’s sleek interface appeals to tech-savvy users. The combination is powerful, but Stelo’s direct glucose focus is enough for most.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Accurate Is The Stelo Glucose Monitor?

Stelo boasts 93% accuracy compared to lab blood glucose tests, making it the most precise OTC CGM available. It measures glucose every 5 minutes, updating the app every 15 minutes. While not as precise as prescription CGMs like the G7, it’s reliable for tracking trends and lifestyle impacts. If readings don’t match your symptoms, use a blood glucose meter and consult a doctor.

Is Stelo Biosensor Good?

Stelo is excellent for non-insulin users, prediabetics, or those exploring metabolic health. Its ease of use, affordability, and real-time data make it a solid choice. However, it lacks low-glucose alerts and detailed analytics, so it’s not ideal for insulin-dependent users or those needing advanced features.

Is Stelo As Good As G7?

Stelo and G7 serve different purposes. The G7, designed for insulin users, offers alerts and insulin pump integration, with a 10-day wear time. Stelo, with its 15-day wear and OTC availability, suits non-insulin users but lacks alerts and advanced analytics. Choose based on your medical needs.

How Long Does A Stelo Sensor Last?

Each Stelo sensor lasts up to 15 days, with a 12-hour grace period. Dexcom notes 20% of sensors may not last the full 15 days, with 10% failing before 12 days. Proper application and keeping it dry help maximize wear time.

Conclusion: For Stelo Glucose Biosensor System

Stelo is a fantastic choice if you want to understand your body’s glucose patterns without the complexity of medical-grade CGMs. Its ease of use, affordability, and no-prescription access make it a standout for health-conscious folks or those with prediabetes. I found it empowering to see how my choices shaped my glucose levels, and I think you will too. Grab Stelo to start your journey toward better health today.