In a significant advancement for the millions managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, Dexcom has launched Stelo – the first over-the-counter glucose biosensor in the United States.
A majority of the 125 million Americans with type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin and those with prediabetes have struggled to access glucose biosensors, despite clinical data that show the clear benefits of this technology in helping these populations reach their A1c goals and potentially slow the progression of diabetes.
Dexcom designed Stelo to empower people 18 and older with type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes through features tailored specifically for their unique needs. These populations often lack insurance coverage for prescription CGMs or have challenges getting a CGM prescription from their doctor. Many haven’t had 24/7 access to their glucose levels, relying on the occasional fingerstick – if at all – and lacking a general understanding of how glucose impacts their health.
Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor
Closing the Glucose Knowledge Gap
Keeping glucose levels stable is essential for diabetes management, as it improves long-term health by preventing complications. But 20% of people with type 2 diabetes and 80% of those with prediabetes are undiagnosed,1 meaning they don’t even know they need to pay attention to their glucose levels. What’s more – a recent Dexcom survey* found that:
- Only 10% of people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin, or those with prediabetes said they understand the factors that cause changes in their glucose levels “extremely well.”
- Since receiving their diagnosis, 45% of people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes have faced confusion around how to effectively manage the condition, and half have faced decreased confidence in their overall health.
With diabetes on the rise and awareness on the decline, Dexcom established National Glucose Awareness Week in late September in partnership with actress Retta, who is also managing type 2 diabetes. The week’s activities featured a variety of educational resources about the importance of glucose health, which are still available at GetGlucoseAware.com.
Addressing an Unmet Need for All People with Diabetes
Speaking to TCOYD®, Jake Leach, Dexcom’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized what Stelo means for people with diabetes and the future of Dexcom. He had this to share:
“We’ve seen the positive impact CGM has on people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who rely on insulin, and we strongly believe in its potential to empower people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin and those with prediabetes to take control of their health, just like it’s done for millions of people with diabetes using insulin. We hope that all people with diabetes—no matter the type—can come together in support of CGM access for everyone who can benefit from it.
As we evolve our technology to empower more people to take control of their health, we will never lose sight of our commitment to people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who rely on insulin and will continually advance our CGM systems to meet their needs. Earlier this year, we rolled out Direct to Apple Watch and new automated insulin delivery partners for G7 users including Tandem and Omnipod 5, and we are committed to investing in this core population that we serve.
As we look at glucose biosensing technology and the benefits it has for others, we are committed to empowering all people with diabetes by making diabetes management easier – no matter the type. Our expansion to serve new populations will never interfere with our ability to serve all our customers with the best-in-class technology that they’ve come to rely on.”
The Bottom Line
With type 2 diabetes and prediabetes affecting so many, raising awareness around, understanding, and managing glucose is imperative to improving the health of millions. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health – and with Stelo, the millions with diabetes and prediabetes can easily track their glucose levels and own their health.
1 Centers for Disease Control Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report. Accessed September 13, 2024.
*Dexcom-Stelo Survey of 1,850 U.S. individuals aged 18 and older, including individuals without prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes not using insulin, and healthcare providers who work with prediabetes and type 2 patients, conducted May/June 2024.
Created in partnership with Dexcom, a sponsor of TCOYD at the time of publication.
Additional Resources:
Dexcom Stelo: The First Over-the-Counter CGM for Type 2 Diabetes Gets FDA Approval
Why You Need a CGM If You Have Type 2 Diabetes…Even If It’s the Only Thing You Wear!
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