stelo sensor
Screen Shot 2021 12 15 at 3.47.47 PM

Summary

Dexcom Stelo is the first over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 15 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed. 

*Recently FDA approved for people 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Expected availability is summer 2024.  

MARD of 9.2% 

The OmniPod is the only tubeless pump option. A Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod, which remains attached to the body. This pump is one of few that is completely waterproof. 

Components

N/A
Omnipod : Pump

Omnipod : Pump

Pods come with reservoirs and directions for application. They can be applied anywhere on the body that is comfortable.

Omnipod : Reservoir

Omnipod : Reservoir

Fill reservoir is enclosed with the Pod and used to manually fill the Pod with insulin.

Omnipod : Controller

Omnipod : Controller

Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is used to give insulin doses to the pod.

Device Details

Overview

Small all-in-one sensor/transmitter with a quick warm-up period and can be worn in multiple areas.

This is a discreet pump option without tubing but will require a controller to dose. 

Affordability and Access

$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Pricing is to be announced in summer 2024. Price expected to be low to allow for over the counter distribution. 

$$$$
Widely covered for insulin-dependent type 1 and 2. Pump can be provided by pharmacy or DME. Price range; 0-$200/month.

Data Monitoring Options

To Be Announced 

Yes
Pump data can be accessed by clinicians on Diasend by Glooko.

Data View Options

To Be Announced 

No Options 

Duration and Storage

15 Days
Sensors last 15 days. They are purchased over the counter. Works at 50ºF – 108ºF

3 Days
Pod can be worn for up to 72 hours and work from 41ºF – 104ºF.

Vision / Auditory / Dexterity

YES text-to-speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
A LOT of dexterity needed

NO text to speech
NO 
vibration alerts 
A LOT
of dexterity needed

Patient Considerations

Active Lifestyle

Waterproof when submerged in 2.4 meters of water and must be within 20 (unobstructed) feet of the receiver or mobile device. This device is intended to help people with non-insulin requiring type 2 diabetes better understand their blood sugar numbers. 

Waterproof. Wear the Pod in the shower, in the pool, or in the ocean. The PDM is not waterproof and must be charged daily. 

Avoiding Highs and Lows

Very limited alerts. This device does not provide alarms and alerts for high, low, and rise/fall rates. This device is intended to track and understand the effects of food on blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.

Personalized dosing. Pods can deliver personalized doses of rapid-acting insulin based on the rates programmed into the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) device. The ability to set zero basal rates is not available. 

Comfort

Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.

Free of tubing. Pods do not have tubes like traditional insulin pumps, allowing for more freedom of movement.

Easy Insulin Dosing

No options. Stelo is intended for use by people with type 2 diabetes who do not require insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. 

Customizable dosing. Basal and Bolus in 0.05 increments. No interruption in insulin delivery (pods stay on during bathing and swimming). 

Easy to Use

Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.

Fewer parts. The PDM has button navigation. Pod has fewer parts than tubed pumps.

Fewer Fingersticks

Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.

Frequent finger-sticks are required. 

Privacy

Small sensor. Discreet and thin sensor that is easy to hide under clothing. 

Somewhat discreet. The pod attaches directly to the body with no tubing, but the pod is bigger than an infusion set. Pod does not have vibrate option.