Stelo by Dexcom is a groundbreaking over-the-counter glucose biosensor designed to empower the 125 million Americans living with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes who do not use insulin. Unlike traditional continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which require a prescription and target insulin users, Stelo offers a non-prescription, user-friendly alternative specifically tailored to the needs of those managing their condition through lifestyle changes or oral medication.

As the first FDA-cleared CGM of its kind, Stelo marks a new chapter in metabolic health management—making professional-grade insights available to a vastly underserved population.

Historically, Dexcom has set the gold standard for glucose monitoring in insulin-dependent diabetes care. But with CGM technology proving its value beyond Type 1 diabetes, Dexcom recognised the need for a different kind of product—one designed specifically for those who have been left behind by the healthcare system due to insurance limitations, stigma, or lack of access. This insight drove the development of Stelo, a product that redefines how, where, and for whom CGMs can be used.

The design of Stelo breaks away from the clinical aesthetic of Dexcom’s earlier devices. The sensor is a small, discreet wearable that comfortably adheres to the back of the upper arm and lasts 15 days. From the form factor to the user experience, everything was redesigned to feel approachable, intuitive, and supportive.

Stelo features smooth, minimal geometry, and is worn without cables or readers—data is transmitted directly to a companion app. The app offers real-time glucose trends, spike notifications, and contextual insights that help users understand how daily habits like meals, exercise, and sleep affect their glucose levels.

The user experience was guided by extensive research across Type 2 and pre-diabetes populations. Unlike Type 1 users who rely on alerts to manage immediate glucose risks, this new audience sought meaningful trends over time, not moment-to-moment alarms. They wanted a wellness-forward tool—simple, educational, and empowering, not clinical or intimidating.

As a result, Stelo removes emergency alerts in favour of accessible, actionable data presented in plain language. The onboarding experience was equally reimagined—enabling users to set up and start tracking without needing a healthcare provider’s guidance.

Every aspect of Stelo’s industrial design emphasises independence and confidence. The sensor’s compact profile and gentle surface curvature allow it to disappear beneath clothing, giving users privacy and comfort. Its packaging and instructional materials use clean visuals and straightforward messaging to minimise intimidation.

The companion app complements this with a calming UI, avoiding colour-coded alarms or graphs that could overwhelm users new to health technology. For many, this is their first experience with a biosensor; the system is built to honour that responsibility.

Stelo’s launch represents a design-led shift in chronic condition management. Approved by the FDA in March 2024 as an integrated CGM (iCGM)—the most rigorous CGM classification—Stelo proved it could meet top-tier performance requirements while still being sold without a prescription. Dexcom also ensured that the product is competitively priced and easily purchasable online, removing key barriers for users long overlooked by mainstream diabetes solutions.

The result is not only a medical innovation but a human-centred one. In early usability trials, participants shared powerful emotional reactions. One user with Type 2 diabetes cried after reading an encouraging in-app insight. He said it was the first time he felt seen and understood by a health product. This kind of impact—emotional, practical, and behavioural—is what distinguishes Stelo. It is not merely a CGM. It is a companion that helps users feel informed, in control, and connected to their health journey.

The long-term implications are significant. As more people begin tracking their glucose through tools like Stelo, they can make informed lifestyle changes that improve metabolic health and reduce complications. Over time, this could reduce the $400+ billion annual cost of diabetes care in the U.S. and shift the paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive health ownership.

Stelo by Dexcom is a compelling example of what design can do when it listens first and builds with empathy. It bridges the gap between advanced medical technology and real-world usability, bringing dignity and clarity to chronic condition management. With its balance of technical rigour, aesthetic restraint, and emotional intelligence, Stelo sets a new standard—not just for CGMs, but for health devices as a whole.

Category:MedicalAward Year:2025Designers:Dexcom Global Product Design, Dexcom, San Diego, California, USAManufacturer:Dexcom, San Diego, California, USA