No More Finger Pricks | Dexcom Stelo A New Type 2 CGM

[@jeweldenile8995]

It is a shame that most healthcare providers don’t stress testing to even pre diabetics; let alone type 2s. I lived for years on the diabetic forums after I was diagnosed and I remember the forum members stressing “eat to your meter”. They would suggest that even if your physician didn’t order a meter that you could still get a Relion meter at WalMart and the strips were the most affordable. Some people can tolerate tomatos (me!) but for some people it spikes them. You don’t know until you test things. It was very eye-opening and informative. To this day I think it one of the best pieces of advice I received and that I share.

[@jackschitt6235]

I wish I got a CGM sooner. My control would have been much better sooner. I asked an Endocrinologist about getting one and he just said my insurance probably wouldn't pay for it and he never even tried. I got discharged by his office. On my first visit the new endo who I am still with changed my diagnosis from type 2 to type 1 and he got me a CGM immediately and mentioned a pump. I'm on the Medtronic now and my last A1c was 5.7 which is just one notch across the border into PRE diabetic. I was diagnosed with type 2 in 1998.

[@slugo915]

Exactly spot on! Took myself 2 months to find a channel on here and I applied that method ever since. My numbers are best they ever been. Can't wit till March 1st to see my A1c. 😊

[@mikelyons70]

Thank. You

[@HariSeldon913]

I'm type 2 and insurance is paying most of my G7.

[@jackschitt6235]

@@HariSeldon913 R u using insulin? What insurance do u have?

[@sw6118]

CGMs should be available to everyone. Blood sugar spikes appear to be a lot more damaging than people are currently being led to believe.

[@mbe102]

I'm type 2, nearing remission, and I wanted to get a CGM to basically make sure I was making the right things happen to keep progressing... the fact that I need to require insulin to have it covered is... just dumb. I'm trying to get to the point where that will never be an option to consider... and boy these are EXPENSIVE. $130 Canadian for 10 days... holy cow.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, I wish they weren’t so prohibitively expensive

[@kenyoung976]

I’m using my Freestyle Libre 2 like the Stelo. I stopped taking insulin (nova log & LANTIS) in September 2023. I find it quite helpful to manage the BS.

[@cindyhessian2325]

How were you able to discontinue the insulin?

[@slugo915]

Ty for sharing this information. Told you I'm sticking around😊

[@rancid216]

My Stelo was still reading 15 to 20 points high after two days. Since you said you get the best readings by placing your G7 on the thigh. I took off the sensor on my arm and placed the second one on my thigh. Have to see how that works. I contacted Stelo and said I had a defected sensor. So hopefully, they replace the first sensor.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Let us know if they’re willing to replace inaccurate Stelo sensors. I hope the process is as good as it is with the other Dexcom sensors

[@rancid216]

@@DiabetesStrong Just received this email message "We're working on getting the replacement order for your Stelo glucose biosensor ready to go. We'll reach out again when your order has shipped"

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@rancid216 awesome. Happy to hear that

[@rancid216]

@@DiabetesStrong Me too. Wasn't happy about $50.00 going in the trash.

[@jeffgilmore3147]

As a T2D, and using a Freestyle Libre 3 for $75 per month out of pocket, I don't see the need for Stelo.

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

except, if they sell it for 60 bucks

[@nikolaibreckenridge2287]

Where are you getting the Libre 3 for $75 a month? The best I see is through Amazon Pharmacy at $71.25 per 14 day sensor.

[@jeffgilmore3147]

Sam's club plus membership pharmacy. Also last year Abbott was providing a calendar year coupon for $75 for 2 sensors each 28 days. Not sure about this year

[@pureheart8666]

Jeffgilmore3147 75$ out of poquette or inssurance cover some of it I want one but my doctor will not give me prescription my A1c is 5.6 .

[@jeffgilmore3147]

I'm not on insulin or any meds (lifestyle changes) so my insurance won't cover a cgm so it's out of pocket for me

[@HeyYall398]

Well, butter my biscuit, that update from Dexcom by your sweet self sure did light up my day like a firefly at twilight! It's like catchin' wind of the juiciest chatter at the local barbecue - always somethin' buzzin' in the sugar-watchin' sphere. Now, about that CGM marvel, let me tell ya, it's a real game-changer. It keeps tabs on my sugar round the clock, almost like havin' a personal sugar sheriff in town. And snaggin' those A1C scores from the doc? Well, it's like takin' home the blue ribbon at the county fair, a real cause for celebration! But here's the pickle, kind of like tryin' to nail jelly to a tree. Let's say all my sugar checkin' - the fasting sugar, A1C, and those nifty CGM gizmos - are all tickety-boo, thanks to some weekly GLP-1 T2D shots and not a hint of the diahorea causing metformin anymore. But then, after I indulge in a hearty feed, my sugar shoots up like a rocket at the Fourth of July-way over what the doc recommends, much higher than 140/180. Does this mean I gotta ponder over giving myself a poke before chow, even without any of that basal insulin in the picture? Asked my endo, and bless her heart, she looked as baffled as a cow on astroturf and couldn't give me a straight shoot. Might be time to round up a new endo, reckon.

[@musicofnote1]

71 year old maile, diagnosed in 2014 with Type 2. I'm using a CGM for the first time and frankly, neither my GP nor my daughter, who did an addition training as endo, can make heads nor tails of the results. Midnight - 7am, no food, values stay pretty stable around 8.0 mmol/L. As soon as I get up, they start raising, with or without breakfast which consists of about 75gr hard cheese, 75gr sliced meat and a coffee. 10:00 or so high point @ 11-12.5, in the middle of gym workout or walking the dog. 11:00 - 12:00 values sinking to 7.2-8.5 while I play trombone or just relax. 12:30 lunch consisting of veggies (mostly above-earth, rarely carrots and variations thereof, never potatoes or pasta) and a piece of meat or chicken breast. 13:00 - 16:00 generally holding at around 7.2 - 8.5. 16:00 either walk the dog or begin 2nd trombone session - ifI walk the dog, it starts 20 minutes later. 18:30 dinner consisting of salad and either 3 eggs or a piece of meat. and a coffee. Usual level is around 8-8.5 21:00 - level starts raising from around 8 until after I get back from the last dog-walk at around 22:15. Levels continue to rise up to 12. My diet for the last 8 years has been very low carbs

[@DiabetesStrong]

You clearly have dawn phenomena messing with your morning blood sugars. I think you could benefit from chatting with an RD who understands diabetes (check out Ben Tzeel @yourdiabetesinsider). You might be able to work through some of this with tweaks to your diet

[@musicofnote1]

@@DiabetesStrong - I wouldn't have anything against that, but depending upon who you speak with (I have), eating carbs can cause blood sugar level to decrease ro raise. Exercise can cause blood sugar to reced or raise. My daughter did a secondary training in endo and she has no better suggestion.. This morning raise, while the same degree as the evening raise has a different cause, most likely. The evening rise is a "reaction" (??) to the 2-7 carbs I consume at dinner, perhaps augmented by coffee, which is the only similarity to the morning raise. Today at lunch (I'm on the road today, so restaurant food), I had a 240gr hunk of roasted beef in a brown sauce (probably made with flour) and 1/4 portion of Spätle (German whole grain noodles) - probably a total of 15-20 carbs. Yet my starting blood sugar was 8.2 and it reached a high of only 10.2 2 hours later. I expected more. I took my normal 2gr inositol and 100mg dihydroberberine and 2 apple cider capsules.

[@achekholbeckal889]

Now I know what is that thing stick on someone arm I saw on the plane two weeks ago, I hope I don't have to wear that

[@j14kworks46]

I got no instructions on how to handle my Type 2 Diabetes from my Doctor. All he did was throw add'l meds at me. He was now pushing for me to start using insulin. Instead, I got Dexcom G6 3 months ago. I can't see a time when I would ever be without it. I lowered my A1C by 10 pts in the 1st month of use. My A1C will be tested again in 1 more month. Then I will find out how much I lowered it.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Well done. I’m glad you’re doing so well, even without support

[@izenizen5532]

Hi Are you using Stelo? If yes... is there a way to view graphs from prior days? [More than 24 hours previous]

[@DiabetesStrong]

I haven't tried it yet. Check out Dr. Ahn, he's trying it out right now. He'd be a great person to ask. It doesn't look like he's posting it to KZbin but you can find him on Instagram instagram.com/ahncall/

[@izenizen5532]

Thanks for the reply... I found the answer--- clarity app It gives all the data

[@Kakkoii_ne]

Is there a way to buy a CGM out of pocket and how much?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, but you will need a prescription. With a coupon (like the one you can get from GoodRX) one sensor is $75-80

[@RamsPalan]

Now the price reduced to $100 for two device, no coupon is required.

[@carlvanderzanden63]

I'm confused. Why is the price per MONTH? Isn't this a gadget that you buy? Why the subscription?

[@DiabetesStrong]

I don’t believe there is talk about Stelo being a subscription product. Each sensor only lasts 14 days, and generally, CGM pricing is listed per month. So with this product the price for 2 sensors.

[@Lawrence64]

I am type 2 and used Dexcom for almost 2 years and covered by my insurance. I am having a hard time seeing how's that different from this one. Am I missing something here?

[@DiabetesStrong]

Most, but of course not all, insurance companies will only reimburse a CGM for people with Type 2 who use insulin. This CGM is meant for those with Type 2 who do not use insulin

[@Lawrence64]

@@DiabetesStrong Thanks for clarifying that. For some reason, they covered for me and I wasn't on insulin. I take Janumet and later had Ozempic added. I might go back to Dexcom. I enjoy your videos.

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@Lawrence64 thank you, and it was a great question

[@ShabahatHusain-v3k]

Can I do exercise with device

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, it’s stays on the body, even when showering or swimming

[@george6252]

Confusing in that CGM's are by prescription only. No medications, why ?

[@DiabetesStrong]

In the US it's considered a prescription device. Some countries outside the US will allow you to buy it without a prescription

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

just order a freestyle libre from outside the US.

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@stefanweilhartner4415 I've done that before, it can be done. The only problem is (at least for the UK order I made) is that you need to ship it to a UK address and you need a UK credit card. For some it could also be an issue that it's in mmol/l and not mg/dl.

[@InsurgentX]

Because if it's prescription only, the Dr. will likely prescribe the one from the manufacturer that took him golfing and bought him dinner. That way they can keep the prices artificially inflated by 1000% and have insurance companies "negotiate" it down to 800%. They don't want a true competitive price war.

[@george6252]

I so wish you were wrong, agreed.@@InsurgentX

[@vincec727]

My stelo died in 6 days and wasnt accurate anyway. Dont waste your money

[@MichaelBrown-ph2pe]

oops! My mistake......... I thought you were referring to Biden.

[@laraza8662]

U are gorgeous..

[@lifuchs1]

Once I got my CGM I can't see going back to without it.

[@anothercitizen4867]

The limit my prescription insurance put on me while I was misdiagnosed with T2 severely worked against figuring out that I was a T1. If only there had been a CGM at the time insurance would pay for I would have been diagnosed correctly.

[@chy2807]

I'm using the libre 3 like the stello for hypoglycemia and its so helpful. People with type 2 or hypoglycemia need alarms still. This seems like an overpriced unnecessary add on

[@incubatork]

After years with type2 diabetes and injecting ever increasing amounts of slow acting insulin, in 2 months with a CGM I quit using insulin altogether, I can see exactly what foods I was eating gave me the spikes and changed to other foods that did not affect me so much, I was amazed at what supposedly good foods did to my glucose level and now cut them out and eating others that have a lesser effect and just as tasty.

[@zeissler]

I like the concept, but the cost to me per month versus what I already pay for Accu-Chek supplies will be the deciding factor.

[@travels5416]

A CGC constantly measures your BG, whereas a meter only gives up the reading at that moment. You can't tell if it is going up or down or staying steady. Using a CGM will increase your lifespan when living with diabetes.

[@zeissler]

@@travels5416Agreed. To that end, I test my BG between 4 and 8 times per day - sometimes more when I feel the need.

[@HariSeldon913]

Will depend on your insurance. With BCBS, a 3 month supply for AccuChek (200 strips+200 lancets) cost me $57 and the G7 is $120 for the 3 month supply (9 sensors). Hope that's helpful.

[@travels5416]

You honestly can't compare the two options. A CGM will allow you to have so much better control over a BG meter. In the long run your diabetes will be much better controlled thus reducing complications of the disease. And you cannot put a price on that.

[@dougberrett8094]

Using a CGN to get feedback on what one does and what one eats is just plain smart! The option that people who are not taking insulin have of sporadic use, is spot on too. As in your example of the breakfast. If your blood sugar goes too high, you know to alter the amount, or type, OR your behavior before or after. One can also see if the sugar level goes up and stays up, or goes up and comes right back down. One can see the results of exercise also. Through watching what I eat and do, I have been keeping my estimated A1c below 5. Down from 10.5 less than a year ago. Also 14 day sensors are preferable to ten day in my opinion. Love your videos and your commitment to benefitting others. You are the best!!!

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your comment

[@jeffalfred5785]

I was on Dexcom G6 then G7 for 4 years. As of January 2024 my insurance company will no longer cover it. My A1C is now 5.3 Previously it was a 10.5. I had deadly lows during this past Christmas, one was at 40 and another was lower than the meter could read. I am Type 2 with no insulin. My Dexcom was instrumental in me seeing how foods affected me and getting my diet under control. The Doctor also canceled my prescription for Trulicity.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you for sharing

[@dancedivaforchrist]

That’s so frustrating, basically the CGM was so effective that it was deemed no longer effective!!!🙄 CGM should be standard practice for all diabetics regardless of insulin dependence. Studies indicate that CGMs would save insurance companies so much money because diabetes will be better controlled. Yet they refuse to pay for it!!!

[@timlist4173]

I have a cgm and I do not feel it is accurate enough to treat yourself. My cgm said I was low (69) but the meter said 108 (wth). On the other end of the spectrum, cgm said 225 meter said 179 (again, wth). If I treated with insulin based on the cgm, I would have crashed. Not really a big fan at this point in time. I have been using this cgm since December 2023. I love the concept, but it has a long way to go to become accurate enough to treat with in my opinion.

[@nogrenz6445]

That happened with my wife’s Dexcom G 6. Notify the Dr and they should be able to get you a replacement.

[@jackschitt6235]

Have u watched the video with the Rollercoaster explaining the reason y there is a difference? There is a difference and delay between what is happening in your bloodstream and what is happening in the interstitial fluid which is what the cgm sensor is measuring.

[@timlist4173]

@@jackschitt6235 hey jack shit, yes, and have talked with dexcox. They have replaced some of the sensors, but it isnt worth the hastle. Are you the dexcom police?

[@jackschitt6235]

@@timlist4173 No, I'm on the Medtronic but the basic training for the tech (in my experience) isn't very comprehensive. Most people aren't going to read through 400 pages of technical blah, blah, blah but there are some basic things that all cgm users should know but many don't. I know I didn't get good survival training when my diagnosis and treatment plan changed. I passed out once in a grocery store and once at home. 2 incidents in 25 years. I started reading almost everything in the library about Diabetes. I haven't spent a night in the hospital yet but the doctor I first saw after a pre-employment physical picked up sugar in the urine committed suicide 20 years ago.

[@kwhopper1100]

If you get a prescription and have insurance there is a good chance insurance will cover it . I get the libre 3 it costs me 40 a month after insurance . I manage with diet and exercise no insulin the cgm is much more helpful than finger sticks .

[@wushuhsu]

Warning. Stelo app doesn't work on iPads. Don't buy.

[@TheFilwud]

Interesting, I am currently buying and using a Dexcom One, as a type 2 diabetic not using drugs or insulin. As I am in the UK and not type 1 or on insulin I am just buying from Amazon, it is expensive but really helps me manage my diabetes. It would be interesting to see if Stelo is better value, I estimate that with sensors and transmitters the One is costing me around £115 to £120 a month, that is with alarms etc, the ability to calibrate and alter some of the alarms or mute to suit. It looks like the prices you suggest will be no cheaper. It will be interesting to see how it turns out and if it hits the UK how much it will be!

[@larkspin]

The Dexcom 7 app isn't even functioning/connecting with my new phone yet-- Samsung s24Ultra (came out Feb 1, 2024). So I'm having to lug around my old phone-operating on WIFI.

[@tiffanie7139]

It’s now launched and it’s only $100 per month! 🎉

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, it's a much better price than I anticipated. I just ordered some and will be doing a review, once I've worn it for a while.

[@tiffanie7139]

@@DiabetesStrong I just got mine in the mail yesterday and put it on this morning. I did the $89 price point.

[@JewishKeto]

I definitely want to look into getting one. :)

[@lovemysons2012]

I have one and I absolutely love it.

[@dirkbaeuerle2952]

I am a type 2 diabetic and have used the dexcom g7. My problem is the adhesive. My skin has developed an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Even the patches that are made for sensitive skin. Does dexcom have a solution about this issue?

[@DiabetesStrong]

I don't think they do. There are hypoallergenic patches you can put under the sensor (and it won't touch your skin) but those are not made by Dexcom

[@082207]

Type 2 diabetes, well managed so Medicare denies me.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I think this is what Dexcom is trying to change with this product, but it will take time before we see broader coverage for people living with type 2

[@nogrenz6445]

Cool thanks for the info! I’m hoping I can get a prescription

[@rjtumble]

That's pretty exciting news! Thanks for sharing.

[@olderthandadirt]

Bring it!! (to Canada)

[@stuartsinclair6269]

Hi there, I’m from the UK, earlier today I’ve seen a insulin breathable device where you load a cap full of insulin powder, it comes in various shots, a device you put in your mouth and breathe in, apparently gets to your blood stream within 5mins, quickest ever, apparently it’s not available in Europe yet but it’s now available in the U.S. is this worth trying??? Thx great videos👍🏻

[@DiabetesStrong]

Thank you. Yes, inhaled insulin is available in the US. It’s called Afrezza and it’s a weirdly well-kept secret… it’s part of my diabetes tool kit. This is one of the videos I made about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHKbn6l6hd9qos0si=oSwG81ag_IWW-yii

[@stuartsinclair6269]

Many thanks of explaining this, from the link, interesting stuff, great idea of inhaling, many thanks again.

[@theimagequestphotography]

I tried. Stella seems to be accurate for me, but the most disappointing part is customer service. The first unit didn't work it went too 70 low and and stay there, I filled out the forms on the website to get a replacement twice, but never heard back.

[@DiabetesStrong]

that is surprising. I hope you hear back from them. It usually takes a few days with Dexcom G7 complaints

[@jackschitt6235]

I recently upgraded to the new Medtronic CGM transmitter and sensors. They said now the need for blood tests should be virtually eliminated as I got the software upgrade for the pump too. The very next day the pump beeped and said enter BG.

[@DiabetesStrong]

😕

[@diannalocke997]

Thank you!!!!

[@ExtaTer]

This is price gouging. Someone should make a rechargeable sensor. Enough with that nonsense of $200/month to milk the health insurance. Everybody knows that medical prices in US are inflated by a factor of 10 as compared to regular prices, to get the insurance money.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Yes, CGM technology is too expensive. I 100% agree! Stelo was launched at $89/$99 a month. So cheaper than I expected

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

it will be interesting if it will be cheaper than a freestyle libre (about 75€). also interesting is the new sinocare ican cgm. it claims to work without a needle. if this is kind of accurate, that would be really great and it would be hacked in no time with the 15 day limit removed. while the 15 day version of the freestyle libre works good, on bump on the door frame and the needle might be off and the sensor useless. a system with fair accuracy without a needle would be a revolution. if it really works, the probably with LEDs and sensors for different wavelengths.

[@s-t-f-r]

It is made of gold or platinum and has an excessively high price.

[@rajneeshkumar5718]

These devices are expensive than lancets and testing strips

[@johnnaylor1706]

I have been looking for compatible nutrition programs that will let you learn what foods you eat that cause your glucose to go whacky. For example, I can eat a chocolate bar and my level does up 10-15 ... eat a bagel and it goes up 200. Ice cream, no bigga deal, ... a Pillsbury Croissant + 225. I have seen programs that you take a picture and it claims to perform this function. Can't we have one were you enter the food and the weight / volume and that makes sense to me.

[@DiabetesStrong]

Try having a look at Signos. They advertise it as weight loss, but I think their software is interesting as it makes blood sugar predictions based of what food you've logged in the past. They use Dexcom G7 sensors

[@johnnaylor1706]

@@DiabetesStrong I thot I looked at that but it was a subscription service.

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@johnnaylor1706 yes, I believe so

[@SteveGuy-kd4ep]

That sounds like a good product but I don't see the benefit of the Stelo V the G7 I currently use to help with my hyperglycaemia? Does anyone else have concerns about the failure rate of the G7? I wrote to the CEO of Dexcom yesterday about how many of my sensors fail - not heard back yet ......

[@DiabetesStrong]

You probably benefit from the alarms, so Stelo might not be a good option. If you hear back from the CEO please let me know. I have no in with that company so I don't know what the official messaging is

[@albertouribe435]

Thanks

[@Frombull]

So its Freestyle Libre again?

[@DiabetesStrong]

No this one is from Dexcom. It’s the same hardware as Dexcom G7

[@Tyrannocaster]

$200 a month is too much.

[@DiabetesStrong]

I agree. My guess is that they’ll ultimately use this product to try and get broader insurance coverage in the US. If they succeed it would be much cheaper for most

[@Tyrannocaster]

@@DiabetesStrong But that's just passing the cost along to the insurance companies. It's not a sustainable business model. They need to lower the cost, and if they pass it along, it has to be with a MAJOR concession to the companies, AND the companies have to reform - so the whole situation is...hopeless, I think. Short term profit always wins.

[@DiabetesStrong]

@@Tyrannocaster yeah, the US system is very broken

[@bobhinden7813]

I use a Dexcom G7. This sounds exactly like the G7 but the app has less alerts. Is there any other difference?

[@Valley_Gal]

Looks like big change is 14 vs 10 and less alarms.

[@DiabetesStrong]

From the publicly available information, the main difference is the type 2 label, the alarms, and the 14-day duration