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CNBC tests out Dexcom's new CGM Stelo
Earlier this month, I began testing out a new continuous glucose monitor from the diabetes management company Dexcom. It's called Stelo, the company's first product available over the counter without a prescription.
A continuous glucose monitor, or a CGM, is a small sensor that sticks through the skin and measures glucose levels in real time. Glucose is a type of sugar people receive from carbohydrates, and it's the body's primary energy source.
Everyone's glucose levels fluctuate, but high levels can lead to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease over time. CGMs are typically prescribed to patients with diabetes so they can monitor their glucose levels and get alerted to emergencies.
Stelo is primarily designed for adults with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin, though people without either condition can also get it. The device launched in the U.S. on Monday after the Food and Drug Administration approved it in March.
Users can buy a one-month supply of Stelo online for $99, or sign up for an ongoing subscription at $89 a month. Patients can also use their flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to pay for it, Dexcom said. Dexcom is working with Amazon to fulfill Stelo deliveries.
I've been using the sensor for a couple weeks, and I've already learned a lot. I think it's an easy product to try for an approachable introduction to understanding your glucose data.
Once your sensors arrive at your home, everything you need is in the box. First, you apply the sensor to your arm and pair it with the Stelo app.
The app walks you through exactly what to do, so there's no need to be nervous. I cleaned the back of my right arm, placed Dexcom's applicator there, pressed the button and the sensor popped right on. There's a small needle in the applicator that can look a little unnerving, but I didn't feel a thing.
The CGM connects to the Stelo app via Bluetooth, and then it takes about a half hour to warm up.
When I got to this step the first time, I encountered some problems. Once my device had warmed up, I got an error message that said "Brief Sensor Issue." It told me not to take off the CGM, and said the issue would resolve within up to three hours. I left it on for the rest of the day, but by evening, I noticed some light bleeding around the sensor.
I decided to take that CGM off, which you can do by peeling it like a sticker. I tried again with a new sensor on my other arm, and that one warmed up and worked correctly. I haven't had any more trouble with bleeding. If you encounter any issues with Stelo while you're using it, you can message the chat feature on the website to ask questions or get a replacement if necessary.
On the whole, I think the sensor is quite easy to wear. It's waterproof, and it lasts for 15 days at a time (a new record for Dexcom). It's gray, around the size of a quarter and about half an inch thick. Though it snagged from time to time when I was pulling on long sleeves, I felt like I could wear anything over it. I didn't notice it while sleeping, either.
I've also found Stelo's app interface easy to use, and I think Dexcom does a good job presenting the data in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming or confusing.
On the Stelo homepage, you'll see your latest glucose reading, which is updated every 15 minutes. You'll also see a graph of your readings each day, which includes a shaded green area to indicate your "Target Range." That span is where Dexcom encourages users to try to keep their glucose levels, based on existing medical standards.
The tab next to the home page is the "Events" page, which is where you can log meals, activity, fingersticks, which are another way to measure blood sugar, or other notes. You don't need to log every little detail of your day, but Jake Leach, chief operating officer at Dexcom, told me it's important to log when you're experiencing a glucose spike.
Glucose spikes occur when the amount of sugar present in the bloodstream rapidly increases and then decreases. This often happens after eating. Stelo will notify you when you're experiencing a notable spike, and logging an entry can help you reflect on what might be causing them, Leach said.
If it's your first time using a CGM, I definitely recommend reading through the articles in the app's "Learn" tab. They're short, and they help break down concepts like what glucose is, what affects it and why it matters.
In just a couple weeks, I've learned a lot about how my body responds to food and activity with Stelo. And now that the tech is available over-the-counter, I wouldn't be surprised if CGMs become the next big tech wearable in the U.S.
Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Ashley at ashley.capoot@nbcuni.com.
