Dexcom Makes Glucose Monitors Available Over-the-Counter
Dexcom’s over-the-counter continuous glucose sensor, Stelo, is now available in US outlets. According to CNBC, Dexcom targets Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes patients who don’t use insulin with the new glucose monitor.
People who do not have these conditions can buy the monitors without a prescription. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are tiny sensors that poke through the skin and measure glucose levels in real time.
Non-Prescription Product
Stelo comes with a wearable sensor that pairs with an app in the user’s smart device to continuously monitor glucose levels. For diabetes patients, the sensors help in alerting users, their doctors, and loved ones to emergencies.
“We’re excited to empower people to have access to their glucose readings. We know studies have been done time and time again- giving people continuous glucose monitors helps improve their time in range, their A1c, and their sense of well-being living with diabetes. We expect the same improvements with this product that we’ve had with the G series products,” Dexcom Head of Clinical Advocacy and Outcomes, Thomas Grace said.
According to a statement by Dexcom, 125 million people who have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes don’t use insulin. Stelo glucose sensor is designed to educate this population how to maintain a healthy range of glucose.
“The idea is to help people, over time, learn about diet choices and habits, and how those are impacting glucose. It’s about uncovering things you haven’t seen before and then using that to create healthier habits,” Jake Leach, Dexcom’s Chief Operating Officer said.
Dexcom already offers glucose monitors for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients on a prescription basis. However, Stelo is the first monitor that patients can access without a prescription.
FDA Approval
Stelo is the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor to receive the US Food and Drug Administration nod. The agency cleared it for use in March this year. In June, the FDA cleared two similar devices for Dexcom’s rival, Abbott Laboratories.
The continuous glucose monitors, Libre Rio and Lingo are designed for adults with and without diabetes respectively. Abbott’s FDA-approved Lingo CGMs were to be launched in the US this summer.
Stelo informs users of noteworthy glucose spikes. According to Dexcom, this intentional design is meant to raise alerts on larger swings that patients experience.
“Even for someone who has normal glucose and the occasional spike, it’ll look for the most impactful spikes and then try to engage the user around, ‘OK, what happened there?” Leach said.
Users who wish to understand the cause of glucose spikes can explore educational content available on the Stelo app’s ‘Learn’ sections.
Highly Accessible
Users have the option of buying monthly supplies of Dexcom over-the-counter continuous glucose sensors online at $99. Alternatively, they can sign up for monthly subscriptions at $89 per month. Patients have the option of using health savings accounts and spending accounts to pay for Stelo.
Most Type 1 patients can get insurance coverage for glucose monitors. However, millions of Type 2 patients who lack prescription or coverage now have access to Stelo. This allows Dexcom to expand its reach in the lucrative prediabetes market.
Dexcom has partnered with Amazon to fulfill Stelo orders. Monthly subscribers can opt to adjust or skip delivery dates. However, deliveries will be scheduled in 30-day intervals from the date of initial sign-up.
