Stelo opens the glucose cell of DEPLOY's biometric cohort and anchors its generative-AI end: a medical sensor whose Vertex AI / Gemini insight layer is the AI substance, the documented contrast to Abbott Lingo's adaptive-algorithmic approach.
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It is the first-ever FDA-cleared OTC glucose biosensor (De Novo, March 5, 2024), and its AI is genuinely generative: Weekly Insights on Google Cloud's Vertex AI and Gemini, plus AI photo meal-logging and personalized daily recommendations.
The price above is verified: about $89 for a 2-week sensor on a biweekly subscription model (around $99/month). It is a recurring biosensor subscription, not a one-time device.
Availability
Shipping now
Stelo is shipping and consumer-available over the counter (no prescription) since its US launch on August 26, 2024. From DexCom (NASDAQ: DXCM), it is the OTC product line, separate from the prescription G7.
Real-world status
Dexcom's Stelo is the first-ever FDA-cleared over-the-counter glucose biosensor (De Novo, March 5, 2024): a 15-day continuous glucose monitor for adults 18+ not on insulin, including non-diabetic users tracking how diet and exercise affect glucose. It is the generative-AI end of the glucose cell: Weekly Insights run on Google Cloud's Vertex AI and Gemini, with AI photo meal-logging and personalized daily recommendations, the AI substance that carries it across the biometric boundary. DEPLOY holds the claim to the cleared indication: it is an OTC CGM for adults 18+ not on insulin, explicitly not cleared for problematic hypoglycemia (it has no low-glucose alerts), and should not be read as a diabetes-management device.
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The cleared indication is specific: an OTC CGM for adults 18+ not on insulin. Stelo is explicitly NOT cleared for problematic hypoglycemia and has no low-glucose alerts. Do not read it as a diabetes-management or diagnostic device.
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Stelo is DexCom's OTC line, separate from the prescription G7; at the corporate level it is the Dexcom counterpart to Abbott's FreeStyle Libre, on which Abbott's Lingo is built.
OTC glucose monitors: Stelo vs Lingo
Dexcom Stelo
Abbott Lingo
Price
~$89/2wk
🟢verified
~$54/2wk
🟢verified
FDA
De Novo (first OTC CGM, Mar 2024)
🟢verified
510(k) K233655 (May 2024)
🟢verified
AI substance
Generative (Vertex/Gemini)
🟢verified
Adaptive-algorithmic
🟢verified
Coaching
AI recommendations
🟢verified
Human nutritionists (Lingo Live)
🟢verified
Indication
Adults 18+ not on insulin
🟢verified
Adults 18+ not on insulin
🟢verified
Sources: DEPLOY registry, DexCom / FDA, Abbott / FDA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Dexcom Stelo?
About $89 for a 2-week sensor on a biweekly subscription (~$99/month)🟢verified. It is a recurring biosensor subscription, not a one-time device.
Do you need a prescription for Stelo?
No🟢verified. Stelo is the first-ever FDA-cleared over-the-counter glucose biosensor (De Novo, March 2024), for adults 18+ not on insulin.
Does Stelo use real AI?
Yes, genuine generative AI🟢verified: Weekly Insights run on Google Cloud's Vertex AI and Gemini, with AI photo meal-logging and personalized daily recommendations.
Can Stelo alert me to low blood sugar?
No🟢verified. It is not cleared for problematic hypoglycemia and has no low-glucose alerts; it is not a diabetes-management device.
How does Stelo compare to Abbott Lingo?
Both are OTC CGMs for adults 18+ not on insulin🟢verified; Stelo's AI is generative (Vertex/Gemini), while Lingo's is adaptive-algorithmic with human-nutritionist coaching.
Pricing and availability are tagged verified or claimed against primary sources. Manufacturer targets are reported as targets, not prices you can pay today.