In a refreshing departure from the usual futuristic prototypes at CES, Dexcom, a leading medical device company, took the stage to discuss its forthcoming Stelo continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The Stelo is set to be a game-changer for Type 2 diabetics who do not use insulin, addressing a gap in the market where affordable and accessible CGMs are scarce.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, where individuals produce little to no insulin, Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. A staggering 90 to 95 percent of diagnosed diabetics fall into the Type 2 category. However, those managing their condition with oral medication instead of insulin often lack insurance coverage for CGMs, leaving approximately 25 million people without access to these vital devices.
Dexcom’s COO, Jake Leach, notes, “There’s this large portion of about 25 million people who don’t have insurance coverage for CGMs, and there really hasn’t been a product designed for them.”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordability | The Stelo is designed to be an affordable option, addressing the lack of insurance coverage for Type 2 diabetics. |
| Real-time Insights | Unlike many CGMs focusing on insulin users, Stelo provides real-time readings and insights into blood sugar levels. |
| 15-day Sensor | The Stelo’s sensor is expected to last for approximately 15 days, providing continuous monitoring over that period. |
| Education Focus | Empowering Type 2 diabetics to understand their blood glucose range and make informed lifestyle choices between doctor visits. |
Jake Leach emphasizes that in the U.S., CGM coverage is relatively good for insulin users, constituting about a third of Type 2 diabetics. However, the majority of these individuals managing their condition with oral medication are left without insurance support for CGMs. The Stelo aims to bridge this gap by offering an affordable and accessible option for those who must pay out of pocket.
While Dexcom’s COO did not provide a final price for the Stelo CGM, he highlighted the company’s commitment to making it a competitive option for individuals without insurance coverage. Dexcom customers typically pay less than $40 if their insurance covers CGMs, and Medicare patients pay around $50 monthly. Stelo aims to be even more affordable for those without insurance coverage, potentially costing less than other Dexcom CGMs that can be around $173 a month out of pocket.
The Stelo CGM, based on Dexcom’s G7 platform, shifts the focus from life-saving alerts to empowering users with valuable real-time insights into their blood sugar levels. While traditional CGMs often provide alerts for low blood sugar, the Stelo app aims to educate users about their normal average blood glucose range and the impact of dietary choices.
The Stelo CGM is currently undergoing the FDA clearance process, with plans for a summer launch. Dexcom, with its experience in bringing similar technologies to market, has focused on software development in recent years. This enables them to provide frequent updates to address user feedback and needs, ensuring that the Stelo will be part of a full ecosystem connecting with over 100 digital apps.
While the adoption of CGMs for Type 2 diabetes treatment remains uncertain, Dexcom’s Stelo stands out as a product with a clear mission – positively impacting the lives of millions of underserved individuals managing Type 2 diabetes. The commitment to affordability, real-time insights, and accessibility showcases an innovative spirit that addresses a critical need in the healthcare landscape. As Dexcom navigates the FDA clearance process, the Stelo CGM holds the potential to revolutionize how Type 2 diabetics manage and understand their condition.
This website uses cookies.
