I am interested in older TD2s experience with the new over the counter continuous BCM that are coming out soon. Will Medicare cover the cost? Will they be useful/available to persons using once a day insulin like Toujeo?
Newly FDA approved
Dexcom Stelo has a benefits check on this page. I would assume it would be similar coverage but maybe a different cost then the G7 of which my medicare cost just when up.
Best Luck 
Not sure if it has to be done this way because of insurance and FDA requirements and so forth, but Stelo is described as not needing a prescription and for people not using insulin.
Certainly Dexcom did not come out with totally different technology, right? Isnât it the same thing with a different label? And they are calling it something different so that they can do it without prescription, as long as you are not using insulin?
Is it not the same as the G7?
I listened to some Dexcom stuff on this, and they really donât tell you anything! The only thing I got out of it is that it does not have alarms. 
@Eric Dexcom introduced Dexcom One in the UK at a much cheaper price last year. NHS started letting people pick either the Libre or the Dexcom because of that.(If you can get one, it varies per area)
The Dexcom One does not allow you to calibrate and overall more people seem to like the LIbre over there more than the Dexcom One. They are more used to the Libre and without the possibility of the calibration of the Dexcom One, the Libre seems to be more accurate for them. Some still choose to pay out of pocket for the G6, it has a cheaper price over there.
Personally I think dropping the calibration when they already had the technology is an excuse as to why itâs so much cheaper and they had to justify that. I would expect since the Libre is cheaper, Dexcom will want a cheaper alternative and do the same thing for over here. Not have calibration on it. Otherwise itâs a problem justifying the cost of the G6 covered by insurance and a cheaper alternative they have available. Itâs interesting that the Libre is coming out with 2 new ones. I expect one will probably be even cheaper yet to make sure they can try to corner the type 2 market. They have done a better job of that because of the price point.
Thanks @Marie !
Much cooler!
Obviously it was @jim26 's turn to wake up on the funny side of the bed 
No: Medicare does not cover OTC medications. The reason Abbott are doing this is because there is massive use, and interest, in CGMs from people who are not permitted to use them in the US because they are prescription medications. I.e. in the US it is necessary to get a doctor to write a prescription to use one of these.
Abbott did an end-run round the closed shop and got FDA approval for something that is harmless (i.e. it doesnât harm you of itself). Compare and contrast with any number of herbal remedies 
The good news is that all the T2s and T1s who, for various reasons, couldnât get a prescription can now get a CGM OTC, just like I used to do with BG test strips. The bad news is that so far as I can determine Abbottâs price is still ridiculous. This will change.
Once others jump on board a little competition will hopefully bring prices down.
That isnât what I meant; competition is an illusion. The price will change because the value of the product is so great that the market will rapidly determine selling one thing for $1000 makes much less money than selling the same thing (which has almost 0 cost of production) for $10 10,000 times.
This is Keynesâ point; the traditional âsupply demandâ economics only works so long as the supply is controlled. Controlling the supply is an essentially fascist thing, âItâs only for people who deserve it, and we determine who they are.â
A true capitalist can only be tempted by supply-demand. Itâs not capitalism. A true capitalist makes stuff for $1 and sells it for $2.
I picked up a Stelo a couple days ago. I want it to manage my BG. Dr will not issue a prescription as I am âonlyâ pre diabetic. This condition came from major chemo/radiation treatments which damaged my thryoid and my blood sugar was fully diabetic for many months. Now PreD and trying to manage by eliminating sugar, managing carbs and interminttent fasting. So I picked up this OTC CGM to monitor things, just one of several useful tools certainly not the ultimate solution.
I also just bought two Stelos. So far so good. I wanted a way to try out the G7 before I switch my prescription so I bought two for 108 with tax and shipping included. It arrived two days later fedex just like their replacement sensors.
I think itâs basically a G7 with no alarms and a different app that lasts 15 days.
Iâm on the 4th day and I totally love it. Readings have been spot on and sooo much more accurate than G6 for me. Itâll be interesting to see how accuracy is day 10-15.
It updates every 15 minutes. But it does show you the last 3 readings so it still gives that every 5 minute info.
I would definitely recommend it to any T2D no on insulin. The app is really nice, no alarms, 15 days and extremely accurate (at least for me). This would be a way better option than G7 if youâre not at risk of lows.
I believe DIY Loop is now working with the Stelo biosensors, too. Iâve not tried them but 15 days is intriguing.
While Iâd like to believe Dexcom Stelo was just trying to expand into a new market area for non-insulin users, the suspicious part of me wonders if they didnât actually have in mind lowering the price slightly of the G7, extending the wear time, just calling it something different to avoid the wrath of the FDA, while actually figuring a bunch of T1s and T2s that couldnât afford the higher price would start and possibly âmove up.â Anyone know if there actual physical differences in the two products? Different circuit boards, different wires being inserted? Anyone actually taken apart a G7 and Stelo?
Of course, this is how conspiracy theories get their start, so letâs not start somethingâŚ.
No clue, but I canât imagine having different materials and manufacturing lines would be cost effecient for dexcom vs. just placing Stelo in different packaging. Not sure what prevents the from connecting to the G7 app, but assume it might be something with the Sensor Codes that are assigned.
I suspect it is the same product in different packaging. Similiar to âGreat Valueâ green beans vs âGreen Giantâ green beans.
I think itâs the same exact sensor. The app is the difference. No alarms and many other differences.
In the interview I listened to Jake Leach said Stelo was built on the G7 hardware but it is a completely different user experience.
When I tried to look up the MARD Stelo was 8.3 and G7 was 8.2. So G7 is a little better but⌠thatâs with a 10 day wear. Iâm assuming if G7 was a 15 day wear the MARD would go up a little.
In my 10 days of experience it has been extremely accurate. It picks up spikes about 10 minutes before the G6 and the same with falls. I did a few finger sticks the first 3 days but stopped because they were all within 5 points.
Iâve never tried the G7 but im definitely switching as soon as I use up all my Omnipod 5 pods that are not compatible based on the Stelos performance.
