Understanding the Stelo Glucose Biosensor
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor is transforming how people monitor their glucose levels. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this innovative device, from how it works to its key benefits and practical tips.
Whether you are managing type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or simply wish to understand your glucose trends, this guide has you covered. Let’s explore how the Stelo Glucose Biosensor can help you take control of your health.
What Is the Stelo Glucose Biosensor?
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor is a wearable device that measures & displays glucose levels through an integrated smartphone app. It’s the first over-the-counter, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system approved for adults in the United States.
Unlike traditional glucose monitors, it pairs a small sensor with the Stelo app to deliver 24/7 glucose-tracking insights straight to your phone. This helps you manage your health with confidence and ease.
Key Features of the Stelo Glucose Biosensor:
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Stelo tracks your glucose levels around the clock, delivering personalized data directly to your smartphone.
- User-Friendly App: The Stelo app presents your glucose data in an easy-to-understand format, helping you identify patterns and make healthier decisions.
- Extended Wear Time: Each sensor is designed for up to 15** days of use, providing uninterrupted monitoring with minimal maintenance.
- Water-Resistant Design: Stelo's durable construction ensures reliable performance during daily activities, including exercise and showering.
- Trusted Expertise: Benefit from over 25 years of Dexcom's industry-leading experience, guiding you toward improved health.
The Stelo system doesn’t just provide numbers; it gives you a clear picture of how your glucose levels respond to food, activity, stress, and sleep. With Stelo, you can make informed decisions that help you stay in control of your health.
Who is the Stelo Glucose Biosensor For?
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor is designed for anyone looking to take control of their glucose levels with ease and precision. Whether you’re managing a specific health condition or simply staying proactive about your wellness, Stelo is the ideal solution for a wide range of individuals.
1. Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
- Manage your glucose levels more effectively without the hassle of fingersticks.
- Gain real-time insights into how food, exercise, and daily activities impact your health.
2. Individuals with Prediabetes
- Stay proactive by understanding your glucose trends and making lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of diabetes progression.
3. Health-Conscious Individuals
- Even if you don’t have a diagnosed condition, Stelo helps you monitor how your body responds to stress, sleep, and dietary choices.
4. Anyone Avoiding Traditional Testing
- For those seeking a non-invasive, painless, and discreet alternative to traditional blood glucose monitoring
5. Athletes and Active Individuals
- Monitor how exercise affects glucose levels to maximize performance and recovery.
What Makes Stelo Perfect for These Groups?
- Ease of Use: Painless application and real-time updates make glucose monitoring simple and stress-free.
- Customizable Insights: Tailored data allows you to focus on your specific health goals, whether managing glucose spikes or maintaining normal glucose levels.
- Proactive Management: By spotting trends and patterns early, Stelo empowers you to take action before problems arise.
Who Cannot Use the Stelo Glucose Biosensor?
- Individuals Using Insulin: Stelo is not designed for people requiring insulin management or precise dose calculations based on glucose readings.
- Those with Severe Hypoglycemia: If you frequently experience sudden drops in blood sugar levels, consult with your healthcare provider about whether Stelo is appropriate for your needs.
- Children Under 18: The device is currently approved only for adults aged 18 and older.
- People with Allergic Skin Reactions: If you have known sensitivities to adhesives or experience skin irritation with wearable devices, Stelo may not be suitable.
How Does Stelo Read & Monitor Glucose Levels?
The Stelo biosensor is applied to the back of your upper arm using a painless adhesive patch that stays securely in place—even during exercise, showering, or sleeping. With updates every 15 minutes, the app displays glucose trends, provides personalized insights, and offers tools to log meals, exercise, and daily habits.
Together, the sensor and app empower you to understand how food, activity, stress, and sleep impact your glucose levels, making it easier to take control of your health.
Watch the video below & learn how Stelo reads & monitors your glucose levels ↓
1. Sensor Application
- The biosensor is applied to the back of your upper arm using a lightweight, adhesive patch. The process is painless, thanks to the small and discreet design.
- Once attached, the sensor remains securely in place, even during exercise, showering, or sleeping. Its waterproof and flexible build ensures uninterrupted glucose monitoring.
- Each sensor is designed to last up to 15 days, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
2. Continuous Tracking
- Unlike traditional fingersticks that provide a single snapshot, the Stelo sensor tracks your glucose levels continuously, capturing changes in real-time.
- The sensor measures glucose in the fluid beneath your skin, accurately showing how your levels fluctuate throughout the day and night.
3. Smartphone App Integration
- The sensor pairs with the Stelo app on your smartphone, which serves as your command center for glucose monitoring.
- Every 15 minutes, the app updates with new glucose readings, so you’re always informed about your current levels.
- The app offers easy-to-understand visuals, including graphs and trend lines, to help you see patterns over time.
4. In-App Insights & Education
- Spike Detection: Stelo lets you know when meaningful glucose spikes happen so you can adjust your habits
- Powerful Insights: Personalized insights reveal the steps you can take to build momentum toward giant leaps forward in glucose wellness.
- In-App Learning: Make confident choices and build healthier habits with expert-curated information, practical tips
5. In-App Tracking & Logging Tools
- The app lets you log notes about meals, exercise, or other daily habits. This makes it easier to identify what works for you and what doesn’t.
- By keeping a record of your patterns, you’ll have a clear understanding of how lifestyle adjustments influence your glucose levels over time.
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor doesn’t just provide readings—it offers a complete system for understanding and managing your health. Its real-time data and actionable insights ensure you can make the best decisions for your well-being.
How Do I Apply the Biosensor?
Applying the Stelo Glucose Biosensor is a quick and painless process designed for maximum convenience. The sensor is lightweight, discreet, and stays securely in place, making it ideal for daily wear.
Watch the video below & learn how to apply the biosensor ↓
1. Choose the Application Site
- The sensor is typically applied to the back of your upper arm. This area is recommended for comfort, discretion, and accurate readings.
- Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils.
2. Prepare the Sensor
- Remove the sensor from its packaging and inspect it for any damage.
- Follow the provided instructions to activate the sensor, making sure it’s ready for use.
3. Apply the Sensor
- Place the adhesive patch on the back of your upper arm and gently press it into place.
- The process is completely painless, thanks to the sensor’s advanced design.
4. Confirm Proper Attachment
- Check that the sensor is securely attached and doesn’t feel loose.
- The waterproof and flexible adhesive ensures the sensor stays in place during exercise, sleep, or even showering.
5. Pair the Sensor with the Stelo App
- Open the Stelo app on your smartphone and follow the prompts to pair the device.
- Once paired, the app will confirm successful activation and begin receiving glucose readings.
Why This Process Is Simple and Effective:
- Painless Application: The adhesive patch is designed to be gentle on the skin, making the process comfortable for all users.
- Secure Fit: The waterproof and durable adhesive ensures the sensor remains in place, even during rigorous activities.
- Quick Setup: The straightforward process takes only a few minutes, allowing you to begin monitoring your glucose levels immediately.
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor’s application process is as seamless as its monitoring capabilities. With this easy setup, you can focus on your health without worrying about complicated procedures.
How Accurate Is the Glucose Monitoring?
The Stelo biosensor achieves an impressive 93% accuracy when compared to the YSI (Yellow Springs Instruments) Analyzer, one of the most trusted laboratory tools for glucose testing. Here’s what this means in practice:
Accuracy Standards:
- If a lab result is greater than 70 mg/dL, Stelo’s reading must fall within 20% higher or lower than the reference value.
- If a lab result is less than 70 mg/dL, Stelo’s reading must be within 20 mg/dL of the reference value.
Example: If a laboratory measures a glucose value of 100 mg/dL, any Stelo reading between 80 mg/dL and 120 mg/dL is considered accurate based on the YSI’s gold standard.
Clinical Trials and Large-Scale Testing
- Extensive Clinical Trials: Stelo’s accuracy has been validated through clinical trials where its performance was compared to "gold standard" laboratory methods. These trials use advanced equipment to measure glucose concentrations directly in the blood, ensuring a high level of precision.
- Large-Scale Testing: One study analyzed 20,000 laboratory tests and matched them against 20,000 Stelo biosensor readings. This large sample size ensures the findings are robust and reliable.
How Does This Accuracy Translate to Everyday Use?
- Real-Time Insights: With a 93% accuracy rate, Stelo ensures that your readings are reliable, enabling you to detect glucose spikes, drops, and trends with confidence.
- Dynamic Monitoring: The biosensor continuously tracks glucose levels in the fluid beneath your skin, giving you a clear picture of how your body responds to meals, exercise, stress, and sleep.
- Practical Accuracy for Decision-Making: While no biosensor or CGM system is 100% perfect, Stelo’s accuracy within the 20/20% criterion makes it a dependable tool for managing your health.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
- Evolving Standards: Stelo biosensors undergo continuous updates to incorporate the latest scientific advancements and regulatory requirements. This ensures that Stelo remains at the forefront of accuracy and reliability.
- Future-Proof Testing: By refining protocols and integrating new technologies, Stelo keeps pace with industry innovations, delivering ever-improving performance to users.
Understanding the Margins of Error
It’s important to note that all glucose biosensors, including Stelo, have specific accuracy ranges. While Stelo excels at providing actionable insights, comparing it to blood glucose meters can be misleading due to differing testing methods and margins of error
Instead, focus on Stelo’s ability to track trends and help you make informed decisions consistently.
Why Should I Care About Monitoring My Glucose Levels?
Monitoring your glucose levels is not just for managing conditions like Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes—it’s a proactive step toward better overall health. Understanding how your body processes glucose empowers you to make smarter choices about food, exercise, stress, and sleep. This ultimately leads to improved energy levels and long-term wellness.
Watch the video below & learn why monitoring your glucose levels is important ↓
Here’s why tracking your glucose levels is critical:
1. Detect Issues Early
Tracking your glucose levels regularly helps identify patterns, such as unexpected spikes or dips, that may indicate an underlying issue. Early detection of these trends can prompt timely lifestyle adjustments or medical intervention, reducing the risk of complications later.
Example: A sudden spike after a meal might indicate your body is struggling to process certain foods. Recognizing this pattern allows you to tweak your diet before it becomes a bigger issue.
2. Avoid Energy Crashes
Fluctuations in glucose levels directly affect your energy and mood. High glucose levels can cause feelings of sluggishness, while low glucose can lead to dizziness, irritability, or even fainting in extreme cases. Monitoring your levels ensures you can stay in the optimal range for sustained energy and focus throughout the day.
Example: If you notice an afternoon energy crash, monitoring might reveal a post-lunch glucose dip, helping you refine your meal choices to maintain steadier energy.
3. Support Metabolic Health
Consistent glucose monitoring is a key tool in maintaining a healthy metabolism. It helps ensure your body uses glucose efficiently, reducing the risk of conditions like insulin resistance, which is often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. Monitoring also helps individuals with prediabetes take proactive steps to prevent progression.
Example: Tracking glucose responses to meals can help you identify foods with a lower glycemic index that stabilize your glucose levels and support metabolic balance.
4. Mental Clarity and Focus
Stable glucose levels prevent brain fog, improving your ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks effectively. When glucose levels fluctuate, it can impact cognitive function, leading to poor focus or decreased productivity.
Example: Monitoring reveals patterns that allow you to optimize meals and snacks for sustained mental performance.
5. Reduced Risk of Chronic Illnesses
Unmonitored glucose imbalances can increase the risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems. By maintaining stable glucose levels, you can lower these risks and promote better overall health.
Example: Regular monitoring allows you to address spikes or trends early, mitigating potential complications.
6. Improved Sleep Quality
Glucose levels play a role in how well you sleep. Stable glucose levels can help you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer, ensuring restorative rest. On the other hand, imbalances may cause interruptions that affect the quality of your sleep.
Example: Monitoring your glucose levels before and after meals can help you adjust your diet for better sleep patterns.
7. Stress Management
Stress hormones, such as cortisol, directly influence your glucose levels. Monitoring helps you understand how stress impacts your body and provides insights for managing it more effectively. By addressing stress-induced glucose spikes, you can better control your overall levels.
Example: Monitoring during stressful situations highlights the need for relaxation techniques to stabilize glucose.
By understanding how glucose affects your focus, sleep, and overall health, you can make informed decisions that lead to a more energized and healthier life. With consistent tracking, you’re not just managing glucose—you’re optimizing your lifestyle.
What Is the Difference Between a Biosensor and Blood Glucose Monitoring?
While both biosensors and traditional blood glucose monitoring serve the purpose of measuring glucose levels, they differ significantly in their approach, functionality, and user experience. Below are the key differences between the two methods:
Watch the video below & learn the difference between a biosensor & BGM ↓
1. How They Measure Glucose
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Requires a blood sample from a fingerstick to measure glucose levels.
- Biosensors: Continuously track glucose in the fluid beneath your skin without needing blood samples.
2. Frequency of Readings
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Provides single-point readings at specific times, often requiring multiple tests per day.
- Biosensors: Offer continuous glucose tracking 24/7, capturing fluctuations in real time.
3. Insights and Data
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Delivers immediate results but lacks trend analysis or long-term insights.
- Biosensors: Provide comprehensive data trends and patterns, enabling better understanding of how lifestyle choices affect glucose levels.
4. Comfort and Convenience
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Requires frequent fingersticks, which can be painful and disruptive.
- Biosensors: Are non-invasive and painless, designed for seamless integration into daily life.
5. Technology and Integration
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Relies on standalone devices with limited data connectivity.
- Biosensors: Sync with smartphone apps to deliver real-time updates, notifications, and actionable insights.
6. Accuracy Over Time
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Known for high accuracy at specific moments but may miss glucose fluctuations between tests.
- Biosensors: Calibrated for consistent accuracy over time, providing a fuller picture of glucose trends.
7. User Experience
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Requires effort and planning for each test, which can be inconvenient.
-
Biosensors: Provide a hands-free, worry-free experience, simplifying glucose management.
Other FAQs About the Stelo Glucose Biosensor
Here are answers to some common questions about the Stelo Glucose Biosensor to help you better understand how it works and what you can expect.
Does the Stelo Glucose Biosensor Hurt?
No, the Stelo Glucose Biosensor is designed to be completely painless.
- The sensor is applied to the back of your upper arm using a lightweight adhesive patch.
- The application process is simple and comfortable, with no needles involved.
- Its non-invasive design ensures a pain-free experience, making it an excellent alternative to traditional fingersticks.
How Long Does the Device Last?
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor is built for durability and convenience.
- Each sensor lasts up to 15 days, providing continuous glucose monitoring without the need for frequent replacements.
- The secure adhesive ensures the device stays in place, even during exercise, sleep, or showering.
- After 15 days, you can easily replace the sensor and continue monitoring seamlessly.
Is the Stelo Glucose Biosensor Waterproof?
Yes, the Stelo Glucose Biosensor is waterproof.
- The device is designed to withstand daily activities like showering, swimming, or exercising.
- Its durable construction ensures accurate glucose tracking even in wet conditions.
- With its waterproof design, you can confidently wear the sensor during all aspects of your routine without interruptions.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Glucose Health with the Stelo Glucose Biosensor
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor isn’t just a device—it’s a tool to help you understand your body and improve your health. With real-time insights, painless monitoring, and easy-to-use data, Stelo makes it simple to make choices that boost your energy, focus, and overall wellness.
Whether you’re managing a condition or just staying proactive, Stelo makes monitoring stress-free. Its advanced technology and user-friendly design let you take control of your health with ease.
Take the first step toward better glucose management today. Discover the Stelo Glucose Biosensor and see how continuous monitoring can make a difference in your life.
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