DexCom , Inc. (NASDAQ:DXCM), the global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, announced today that Stelo, the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor in the U.S., is now available for purchase without a prescription.
Stelo is a small biosensor worn on the back of the upper arm that leverages Dexcom’s most accurate glucose sensing technology. It is specifically designed to provide the 125 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes with powerful, personalized glucose insights sent directly to a smartphone, revealing how food, exercise and sleep can affect glucose – all without painful fingersticks.
“Dexcom has been at the forefront of glucose biosensing for 25 years. With the launch of Stelo, we’re defining a brand-new category and once again setting the gold standard for people to easily take control of their health,” said Jake Leach, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Dexcom. “Now, millions more have access to 24/7, easy-to-understand glucose insights that can inform their daily lifestyle choices and support behavior modification.”
The benefits of glucose biosensing have been shown when used alone, or alongside other diabetes and weight management medications. Studies show the use of Dexcom glucose biosensing by people with Type 2 diabetes is associated with clinically meaningful improvement in time in range, A1c and quality of life.
“Dexcom glucose biosensors are an essential and proven tool for diabetes management – driving strong clinical outcomes regardless of medication use 9 and even potentially slowing the progression of diabetes, †,1-3 ” said Thomas Grace, MD, head of clinical advocacy and outcomes at Dexcom. “In a world where GLP-1 use is becoming increasingly more common, glucose biosensors like Stelo can help make those medications more effective.”
Stelo improves access to critical health technology for people with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes who might not have insurance coverage for prescription glucose biosensors. Stelo is currently available for purchase in the U.S. at Stelo.com and is FSA and HSA eligible.
- Pay-as-you-go: Pay $99 for a single pack of two sensors (total wear time up to 30 days ‡ ).
- Monthly subscription: Subscribe and save 10%. Pay $89 per month for an ongoing subscription, with two sensors (total wear time up to 30 days ‡ ) delivered every 30 days.
Stelo is now part of Dexcom’s overall portfolio of glucose biosensors, with a user base of more than 2.5 million people globally. The Dexcom portfolio in the U.S. consists of the Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, and now Stelo, collectively designed to address the needs of people with all types of diabetes and prediabetes.
Each product in the portfolio is built for the people who use them, making it easier than ever for healthcare providers to get patients started with the glucose biosensor best for them. Dexcom G6 and Dexcom G7 are designed for people with diabetes using insulin or who are at risk of hypoglycemia and who have insurance coverage for glucose biosensors. Both systems require a prescription and are reimbursed by 97% of commercial insurers in the U.S., Medicare nationally and Medicaid in most states. 5 Stelo is designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin or prediabetes who seek behavior change and optimized health and who do not have insurance coverage for glucose biosensors.
