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Over-The-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) Comparison
Updated: 04/17/26
Over-The-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) Comparison
This comparison tool will help patients decide which of the two most common brands of over-the-counter (OTC) continuous glucose monitors (CGM) is the best option for them.
CGM technology is always improving, so be sure to consult with your care team.
1. Who It’s For
Category | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
Patient population | Adults (18+ years)
Not on insulin
With type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or neither | Adults (18+ years)
Not on insulin
With type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or neither |
Cost | $55 for 1 sensor (15 days)
$99 for 2 sensors (30 days)
Subscriptions:
• $89 for 2 sensors/month
• $252 for 6 sensors every 3 months | $49 for 1 sensor (14 days)
$89 for 2 sensors (28 days)
Subscriptions:
• $84 for 2 sensors/28 days
• $249 for 6 sensors/12 weeks |
HSA/FSA eligible | Yes | Yes |
Where to purchase | Online at stelo.com or Amazon | Online at hellolingo.com, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon
In stores at Walmart and select Walgreens |
2. Sensor Hardware & Wearability
Category | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
Sensor size | Same size as Dexcom G7 (3 stacked quarters) | Same size as Libre 2 (2 stacked quarters) |
Wear location | Back of upper arm | Back of upper arm |
Grace period | 12 hours | None |
Warm up time | 30 minutes | 1 hour |
Wear time | Up to 15 days | Up to 14 days |
Waterproof rating | Up to 8 feet for up to 24 hours | Up to 3 feet for up to 30 minutes |
3. Data & Measurement Performance
Category | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
Measurement range | 70–250 mg/dL | 55–200 mg/dL |
Frequency of glucose measurement | Every 15 minutes | Every 1 minute |
Low/high glucose alarms? | No | No |
4. Connectivity & Compatibility
Category | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
Can sensor data be shared with a healthcare provider? | Yes | No |
Smartphone compatibility | iOS 18.5 or newer
Android 13 or newer
Full compatibility list: michmed.org/rwnnA | iOS 16 or newer
Android 12 or newer
Full compatibility list: michmed.org/KDAVy |
5. Support
Category | Dexcom Stelo | Abbott Lingo |
Support website | Dexcom Stelo Support Website: michmed.org/kVdkK | Abbott Lingo Support Website: michmed.org/RBeR9 |
Replacement policy | Product issues can be reported by logging into your account on Stelo.com and using the virtual assistant bot (SteloBot).
Link: michmed.org/ByQ4n | Email: lingosupport-us@hellolingo.com
Phone: +1-888-764-7684
Submit a request for replacement:
michmed.org/vQDGx |
Mobile app | Artificial intelligence (AI) assisted smart food log
Glucose spike detection and weekly spike report
Personal insights
In-app education
Integrated sharing with care team via Dexcom Clarity™ | Food and activity logging
Glucose spike detection + daily Lingo Count™
Use Lingo Count as a goal to lower your count over time for better metabolic health
Personal insights and recommendations
In-app education
Data sharing with care team unavailable via app |
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Support for The Michigan Collaborative for Type 2 Diabetes (MCT2D) is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as part of the BCBSM Value Partnerships program.
Although Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and MCT2D work collaboratively, the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of BCBSM or any of its employees.