Dexcom Stelo a New OTC Biosensor - Review After Wearing It for 30 Days

[@cesalt2408]

I had no idea that the Clarity app was available, and I'm on my 2nd Stelo. Thanks so much for the tip and the wonderful review here. I'll certainly check out the Lingo next.

[@craiglee7896]

Been using the Stelo for a couple of months now. I like being able to see how my body responds to food and have come to realize that it takes 2.5-3 hours to see a response after a meal. A couple features that would be useful is calibration, my Stelo's have been consistently 8-10 points off from a finger stick. The other is for the sensor to read lower than 70 to be able to see how far I can drive down my blood sugar during a fast.

[@sherryp5370]

Thank goodness for you tubers like Christel who take the time to help us all out! Too bad Dexcom is not as thorough in their support!

[@BillYovino]

I used Stello for a month and found it to be wildly inaccurate. It was always 20 to 40 points higher than my finger sticks. I switched to the Abbott Lingo CGM and it is always very close to my finger stick results. The Lingo currently only works with iPhone. The lingo is thinner and smaller and doesn't require an over-patch.

[@lolz-f6c]

I’ve been dying to get a continuous meter for years. My doctor kept telling me I couldn’t get one unless I was insulin. I’m type 2, my testing never seems to match my A1C, and it’s hard to test at work for me. I’ve been wanting this convenience and insight for soooo long. I’m so excited to get it in the mail!

[@Noah_527]

How do you like it so far?

[@lunacydress1]

Got my first Stelo a week ago and put it on. Had the Freestyle Libre 3 before, but new insurance doesn’t cover it. Libre can go more on the side of the upper arm as long as it’s below the deltoid, from what my diabetes educator told me. Stelo is supposed to go more on the back/underside of the arm and you have to use some kind of patch with it to keep it on. The backs and undersides of my arms are more fatty than muscular- I wouldn’t call it loose skin, which they advise against inserting into, but it’s definitely softer than the side and the spot I picked didn’t work. The tape that’s on the sensor didn’t grip well to the soft tissue, and then the overpatch didn’t cover all the edges of the tape on the sensor because it’s really hard to do that on the back/underside of your arm. After less than a day, I had to use a Tegaderm patch to cover the whole thing completely (that’s what I’d occasionally have to do with my Libre 3, like if it seemed like it was coming loose. That didn’t work very well either- that soft part of my arm just isn’t a good place to try and stick this thing! Tonight, which I think is day 5 or 6, I could feel that even with a Tegaderm sheet covering it, it was coming loose after I was cleaning the house and moving my arm a lot, and the whole thing pulled out, so a wasted sensor after only a few days. I also don’t like that you have to have the patch on it and the back/underside of the arm is much more delicate and sensitive skin. I had a little rash around the whole thing, before and after the Tegaderm. The same thing would happen with the Libre 3 in the first 2-3 days, it then it would go away. I think the fact that it was on the side of the arm where the skin is a little tougher helped. I’m going to try again- I’m going to get some of those covers you use. That same company makes something you can put between the sensor and your skin if you tend to have allergic reactions to the adhesive- I tried that when I had the Libre and every time I did, the sensor would fail within hours. It this is on the outside, so maybe it’ll be ok.

[@DerricGoodwin]

I have been using Libre 3's until recently I cannot get them in stock any more. My Dr. prescribed me dexcom 7's and my insurance does cover it. But I tried the Stelo while waiting for my deductible and FSA to reset Jan 1. And I like the 15 day wear of 2 sensors compared to 3 sensors with D7. Also, the Stelo has alarms if you look into and use 3rd party apps. You do not have to be tied to the default Stelo app... So keep that in mind... I am still on the fence if I will go with the Dexcom 7 or the Stelo with 3rd party apps and alarms for my lows... Stelo for me has been very accurate for 5 minute updates and interstitial fluid vs blood readings. 3rd party apps will show you values below 70 fyi.....

[@doloresseames5067]

What are the 3rd party apps? Is there one you like best?

[@DerricGoodwin]

@@doloresseames5067 Check out Shuggah. I love it.

[@yasminmercado7601]

what third party app is best?

[@RonMac08]

I've used two of the sensors so far. I lost 9 pounds during the month I was using them. The first one I tried was reading high by 20 to 40, the higher it read the more it was off. It didn't matter because I was looking at spikes and trends. The second one I used was fairly close, within the margin of error of the sensors. I just ordered two more.

[@slugo915]

Morning Christel, another good video on a cold Saturdays morning in the northeast.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Good morning!

[@MrRangerLab]

T2 here. I’ve been using Stelo since it was available, before that I used a Dexcom 7 for about 2-3 months. Overall I like it. When I compare it against fingersticks, it has been pretty good except sometimes for the 1st 12-24 hours. This doesn’t surprise me. So far they have been lasting for 15 days. Miss some of the Dexcom 7 features though. I wish it had an alarm that can be turned off for high/lows. Agree that customer service needs work. Adding that my insurance will not cover a CGM so the $89 subscription price is welcome.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing. I'm glad it's working out for you. One thing I might have failed to say in the video is that this is a great addition, meaning it gives us more options. And options when it comes to diabetes devices are so important

[@MrRangerLab]

@ Absolutely I agree with you about options. I had been doing pretty well with diabetes control but for me, having a CGM has been a game changer. I have always been a data geek and this just appeals to nature.

[@debbiec629]

I have been using the Stella now for 2 months and I find it has give me great insight on my levels and doing it is way better than doing a finger prick throughout the day. I learn if I insert my next sensor 24 hours before the other one is done helps the arm heal and I don’t get the wacky up and down numbers for the first day I just wait to to start it. I have found that the customer service is a hit or miss which is the case with most customer service. I have had 2 times that I had to get a replacement sensor and that process was way better than I was expecting. For me the con is it is recommended to use it anywhere except your upper arm.

[@kipditlow7737]

For me cost is a huge issue. As a type 2 that uses diet to control my blood sugars and not being on insulin I have to pay the entire cost of the sensors out of pocket. As you pointed out the cost of the prescription based sensors is a lot higher than the stelo. Besides the cost if I have not seen a doc in a while i have to go in and see them before I can get the prescription and that blows half a day for me. The only significant downside with these off prescription ones that I can see for me is that I will have to crawl out of the dark ages and get a smart phone. The added features are not really relevant to me because all I really want is the data to be able to see how a particular meal effects me. And the fact that it does not take readings as often as the more advanced units does not really matter much. If I can get readings in 15 minute increments that works fine for adjusting my diet. In fact the first cgm I used was a libre 14 day which if I remember worked the same way.

[@scottdurbin8298]

I can see this as a product for someone who is a pre-diabetic or borderline and wants more information than what finger sticks do. It also could be good for someone who wants to try out a CGM without the commitment. Customer service is one thing that needs to be a priority for this product. I love my G7 but would recommend the Stelo for someone to try.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I completely agree. Thank you for watching

[@robertrose3068]

I just got one after starting Wegovy. Not diabetic, I just want to see the data. Applying today.

[@belfegor729]

Good morning Christel, how are you? I am using the Sibionics CGM at the moment, I am on my third right now. This is also a good option, I found it more accurate compared to the Freestyle Libre 1, of which I used 14 units. In your comparison, Sibionics might compare to Dexcom G7, it works with a mobile application and sends glucose info every 5 minutes. I did a good number of finger pricks and the accuracy was very good! Sibionics is the cheapest option here in Hungary, at approximately 65 USD/unit. My only issue with the Sibionics CGM is that it itches a bit. Not as much as an allergy reaction though. I would love try more options!

[@DiabetesStrong]

I tried Sibionics (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJaveotoerKheK8si=mxcAmGi-ikCZMmYU) and I agree, it's not a bad sensor. Hopefully we'll continue to see more options

[@WarrenKimpel]

another nice video THANKS

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Maxup1966]

Thank you very much for this information. I didn't know i could buy without a prescription God bless 🙌 🙏

[@DiabetesStrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Maxup1966]

​@DiabetesStrong question when those 2 censor is finished what next do I have to purchase the whole thing all over or the censor can be brought for the machine ?🤔

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@Maxup1966 You have to buy a new pack of sensors. There’s no receiver, only the app on your phone and the sensor on your arm

[@Maxup1966]

@@DiabetesStrong Oh wow thank you very month is another $99 🙄🫢

[@SwissPGO]

It's the exact same sensor as the dexcom G7, it's only crippled at the software side. If they can produce these at a 60% discount, it means that dexcom is just greedy when they sell it at way higher cost to T1D users. I suggest all T1D patients write to their legislators to protest about this.

[@jackschitt6235]

R u not in the USA like me? Ohio Medicaid was giving people brand name Humalog insulin at $300+ per vial instead of Lispro which is a tenth of the cost. Lispro is the same insulin made by Eli Lilly but just in a different package/with a different label. But now they won't pay for the test strips that r needed to use the glucometer that comes with the Medtronic pump. Government doesn't do anything in a way that makes sense.

[@SwissPGO]

@ Its revolting indeed - there are pricing differences also within europe, but US healthcare costs always seems way more expensive.

[@RickCobello]

T2 Waited for years since Medicare does not pay... Great reference product that shows the effects of food..exercise, and stress!

[@BrianRousseau603]

Thanks @billyovino I am seeing the same. Stelo 78 finger stick 130 wtf. I wore g7 a bunch and loved it. Stelo so far not impressed. Someone mentioned calibration why the F did they take that out of stelo. Sign. This might go in the trash. I was looking to see if other had crazy differences in sticks vs stelo.

[@user-jo5fz8iw3b]

are they waterproof for showering, swimming etc . . . . . ......??

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes

[@electrology]

Christel - another awesome content. You are absolutely gorgeous.

[@christaft-r6b]

I have 3month use for Stelo..can I use it only 15 days a month and start it again for 15 days the following month, and stretch it out over 6 months

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, that is an option

[@sirlarry7229]

Have you ever tested the Libre Free Style?

[@DiabetesStrong]

I made reviews of both Libre 2 and 3 when they came out. You can find them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5ualIyAiNVke8k

[@CaptJimDavis]

I wish my Stelo was a little bit closer to my finger sticking numbers. I understand due to where it gets its reading the numbers will be a little different but there is difference between "a little" and "40 to 50 points"... When I wake up my Stelo shows 170 and making me nervous and question "why this is happening". But then when I verify by finger sticking I get the reading as 118... Now, that is 52 point difference... Then during the afternoon of the same day Stelo shows 122 and finger stick method shows I am @ 98... I got this thing in order to quit finger sticking but now I have to make sure what my real number is I have to do finger sticking after every abnormal reading which is the 99% of the readings. So Stelo becomes unreliable and useless at this point. But since I have another one, I'll try to place it on my thigh or tummy to see if it makes any difference than placing it on the back of my upper arm. Let's see! BTW I am T2...

[@DiabetesStrong]

Ugh, that kind of inaccuracy is frustrating. Hopefully the next sensor will be more reliable

[@manuelmartinez9828]

Can you lift weights with this on your arm

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, not a problem

[@lthomas63]

awesome video as always, but when I call Dexcom customer support one of the options is to talk to product support or customer service about Stello so I’m not sure why you just can’t do that?

[@JennyCheyrock]

I tried that and they still can't help you. They just refer you to the BOT. Horrible customer service, so I won't order again. I like the Lingo so much better.

[@DiabetesStrong]

My experience is that they refer you to the website. But maybe they'll change that

[@doloresseames5067]

Can you use both apps at the same time?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Stelo and Dexcom G7, yes. I don't know about Stelo and Lingo but I would think so

[@doloresseames5067]

I found that you can.

[@pyamane8115]

I have been using a Stelo since the beginning of September. I downloaded Clarity but couldn't get into the software.😢

[@DiabetesStrong]

In you couldn’t open the software or no data is showing? You have to log in with the same login and password you used for the app

[@RonMac08]

The Freestyle is an Apple-only product for now. They don't have an Android app.

[@kinpatu]

I’m on my 5th Stelo sensor. I’m not diabetic. I’m using mainly to try to understand why my A1c has been climbing, but my blood glucose measurements are always low/normal. Basically I’ve found that Stelo agrees with my other blood glucose meters, which leaves me with no explanation.

[@DiabetesStrong]

That's one of my issues with this product, I don't think it has good enough analytics. It could of course be that there aren't any consistent patterns, but you could ask your doctor to take a look. Just to get a medical professional's eyes on it.

[@kinpatu]

@ I agree. Part of the reason I’m gathering this data is to make the case that my A1c elevation is NOT from blood glucose. Without data, primary care just assumes I’m eating ice cream and cake and forgetting about it. They basically blew me off at my last visit before I got a CGM. So I paid out of pocket for anemia panel and hemoglobinopathy tests. Both normal. All I’m left with is grasping at straws, such as salicylate rich foods, which can throw off the test result depending on the lab. This is why I tell people, A1c is a good test, but in isolation canNOT be used to diagnose diabetes.

[@em.415]

I learned that cholesterol and saturated fats also increase A1C. Lowering those two things may fix it. Also look out for white starch.

[@kinpatu]

@ If the A1c is elevated, but my average blood glucose is 85mg/dL and my postprandial peaks are 115mg/dL, do I care about A1c?

[@cesalt2408]

@@kinpatu I did not know at all about salicylate throwing off the A1C, and I having googled which foods are high in this I see I could be affected. Thanks for much for this tip!

[@michellewildeman196]

Is the G7 also delayed? I’ve done a finger stick and noticed a difference of 20-50. Should I be concerned or is it just a delay?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Dexcom G7 updates every 5 min (Stelo every 15) and all CGMs/Biosensors measure in the fluid under the skin so they’re about 10 minutes behind what’s going on in the blood

[@ONYXSKYZ]

I’m a man 31 and am looking to get blood sugar tester for home I have blurry vision and are thirsty a lot what should my readings be if I where diabetic ✌️

[@DiabetesStrong]

I’d suggest you go to your doctor for a blood test. That is the only way to reliably diagnose diabetes.

[@ONYXSKYZ]

@ thanks yeah I’m going to I stay rural was going to order the self test inbetween but the best bet as you say is the doctor 😇 thanks again your videos are great 👍

[@JennyCheyrock]

The app updates every 15 minutes, but you can still see the readings every 5 minutes on the graph. I like that it works with my watch, but I won't be buying them again. Customer service is awful. They refused to use the correct order date on my invoice, so my HSA wouldn't pay for it. They used the shipped date.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@miranwar]

Your promo code is not working. I would like to try out Stello

[@DiabetesStrong]

I don't have a promo code for Stelo, only one for the Skin Grip overlay tape.

[@crystalkeara8868]

I’ve had mine on for 3 hours and it’s still just showing below 70.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I wish you could calibrate it :-(

[@nauticalstar8363]

Mine broke after 6 days after it was placed. At roughly $45 a piece, it was rather disappointing.

[@danclark3144]

As a T2 diabetic myself I do experience low blood sugar levels. I take both metformin and glipizide to control my blood sugar levels. I do wish there was a low blood sugar alert. It would be beneficial to know when I go below 40.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing

[@mel11956]

Been using this for four months and have noticed no delay.

[@brainwasher0]

No a widget? !! No Apple watch connection?

[@DiabetesStrong]

You can connect Stelo with your apple watch, but you still need to bring your phone with you.

[@brainwasher0]

@ but no widget right?

[@DiabetesStrong]

@ I don't think so

[@theferallife8812]

Unfortunately Stelo is NOT compatible with Android 15. While it's useful it's not worth the hassles of going backwards to Android 14. The Dexcom development team needs to step up their game!

[@portiamariee7531]

It still works. Or at least it does for me, and I do all of my updates. I work in Cybersecurity so updating is always going to be a must for me. So don't allow that to stop you from trying it.