Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo OTC CGMs offer glucose insights but raise privacy questions

Dexcom's Stelo, cleared by the FDA in March 2024, and Abbott's Lingo, cleared later that year, are over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) designed for adults who do not use insulin. These devices measure interstitial fluid glucose via a small sensor worn on the arm, offering immediate feedback on how diet, exercise, and sleep impact glucose patterns. Unlike diabetes-focused CGMs, they do not provide alerts for hypoglycemia or integrate with insulin pumps. The CDC reports 115.2 million US adults have prediabetes and 40.1 million have diabetes, making glucose tracking relevant for many. A 2026 meta-analysis found CGM use lowers mean glucose in non-diabetic users, but benefits concentrate in those with prediabetes; no significant BMI effect was observed.

The app layer behind these sensors introduces privacy complications. While clinical data may be HIPAA-protected when shared with healthcare providers, consumer health apps often fall outside HIPAA, subject only to the FTC's Health Breach Notification Rule. Users must scrutinize what data the app collects, whether it shares with third parties for advertising or analytics, and how it manages security. The FDA also requires cybersecurity planning for connected devices. For TechRepublic readers, the practical takeaway is to verify FDA clearance, understand app data handling, and recognize that OTC CGMs are feedback tools, not medical decisions aids. Healthy users may find the data interesting but not necessarily actionable for long-term health gains.