Over-the-Counter (OTC) CGM Options
In 2024, the FDA cleared the first OTC CGMs, led by Dexcom's Stelo and Abbott's Lingo and Libre Rio, democratizing access to metabolic data.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) CGM Options
A New Era in Metabolic Health
In 2024, the FDA cleared the first Over-the-Counter (OTC) Continuous Glucose Monitors, fundamentally changing the metabolic health landscape.
Market Leaders
Dexcom Stelo
- 15-day wear time
- Targeted at non-insulin Type 2 diabetes
- No prescription required
Abbott Lingo
- Wellness and coaching focus
- Designed for metabolic health optimization
- Consumer-friendly app experience
Abbott Libre Rio
- Type 2 diabetes management
- Over-the-counter availability
- Similar technology to prescription Libre
Key Differences from Prescription CGMs
The primary technical distinctions between OTC and Rx units:
| Feature | Prescription CGM | OTC CGM | |---------|-----------------|---------| | Hypoglycemia alarms | Critical alerts | Removed | | Pump integration | AID compatible | Not available | | Intended use | Insulin dosing | Trend awareness | | Data sampling | High frequency | Sufficient for trends |
Who Benefits?
OTC CGMs democratize access to metabolic data for:
- Pre-diabetics monitoring glucose response
- "Biohackers" optimizing metabolic health
- Non-insulin Type 2 diabetics
Economic Model
OTC CGMs rely on a cash-pay model and are generally not covered by insurance.