// CGM DEVICES
Levels vs Dexcom Stelo: Complete CGM Program Comparison for Metabolic Health
Continuous glucose monitoring has revolutionized metabolic health tracking, extending far beyond diabetes management to help healthy individuals optimize their wellness. Two leading options for metabolic health CGM programs are Levels and Dexcom Stelo, each taking a different approach to glucose tracking and health insights. Levels offers a comprehensive metabolic health program that combines CGM hardware with personalized coaching and detailed analytics, positioned as a premium wellness solution. Dexcom Stelo represents the first FDA-approved over-the-counter CGM specifically designed for non-diabetics and those with type 2 diabetes not using insulin. Both target the growing market of health-conscious consumers seeking to understand how food, exercise, and lifestyle factors impact their glucose levels and overall metabolic wellness.
Levels
$199
Dexcom Stelo
$99
[FEATURE COMPARISON]
| Feature | Levels | Dexcom Stelo |
|---|---|---|
|
CGM Accuracy (MARD) Mean Absolute Relative Difference - lower percentages indicate higher accuracy compared to laboratory glucose tests |
8.3% (using Dexcom G7 platform technology) | 8.3% MARD / 93% accuracy within 20/20% YSI standard |
|
Sensor Wear Time How long each sensor can be worn before replacement, including grace period |
10 days (Dexcom G7) or 15 days (Stelo option) | 15 days plus 12-hour grace period |
|
Glucose Reading Range The span of glucose values the device can accurately measure and display |
40-400 mg/dL (when using G7 hardware) | 70-250 mg/dL (shows 'below 70' or 'above 250' outside range) |
|
Real-Time Alerts Immediate notifications for high/low glucose levels or rapid changes |
Customizable high/low alerts and trend notifications | No alerts or alarms - spike detection only for learning |
|
Target Glucose Range Recommended glucose ranges and time-in-range goals for optimal metabolic health |
Personalized based on individual metabolic profile | 70-140 mg/dL (96% TIR goal for non-diabetics) |
|
Coaching & Education Level of personalized guidance, insights, and educational content provided |
Human coaching team, personalized insights, meal logging | In-app educational content, spike detection insights, tips |
|
Data Integration Compatibility with other health apps and devices for comprehensive wellness tracking |
Integrates with Apple Health, fitness trackers, sleep monitors | Apple Health integration, healthcare provider Clarity app access |
|
Prescription Requirement Whether you need a doctor's prescription or can purchase over-the-counter |
Requires prescription for CGM hardware (partners with providers) | Over-the-counter - no prescription needed |
[PROS & CONS]
Levels
Pros
- Human coaching team provides personalized guidance
- Comprehensive meal logging and lifestyle tracking
- Advanced data analytics and trend analysis
- Established platform with proven user success stories
Cons
- Double the cost at $199 vs $99
- Requires prescription and healthcare provider involvement
- More complex setup and onboarding process
Dexcom Stelo
Pros
- Over-the-counter availability - no prescription needed
- More affordable at $99 for 30 days of monitoring
- 15-day sensor wear time with 12-hour grace period
- Built on proven Dexcom G7 platform with 93% accuracy
- FSA/HSA eligible for payment
Cons
- No real-time alerts for glucose highs or lows
- Limited glucose range (70-250 mg/dL)
- No human coaching - only in-app education
[OUR VERDICT]
Dexcom Stelo wins for most users due to its over-the-counter accessibility, lower cost, and sufficient educational features for metabolic health insights.
After comprehensive analysis, Dexcom Stelo emerges as the winner for most users seeking metabolic health insights through CGM technology. The key deciding factors are accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. Stelo's over-the-counter availability eliminates the prescription barrier that often complicates the Levels experience, making glucose monitoring accessible to anyone interested in metabolic health optimization.
The $99 price point for Stelo represents exceptional value, especially considering it uses the same proven Dexcom G7 platform technology that delivers 93% accuracy. The 15-day sensor wear time provides longer monitoring periods than many prescription CGMs, reducing the hassle of frequent sensor changes. While Stelo lacks real-time alerts, this is actually appropriate for its target audience of metabolically healthy individuals who don't need urgent glucose notifications.
Levels offers superior coaching and personalized insights, which justifies its higher price for users who want intensive guidance and behavior modification support. However, for most people interested in understanding their glucose patterns, Stelo's in-app education and spike detection provide sufficient learning tools without the premium cost. The educational content helps users make connections between food choices, exercise, and glucose responses.
The verdict favors Stelo for its democratization of CGM technology, making metabolic health tracking accessible to a broader audience at an affordable price point. Levels remains the better choice for users who specifically want human coaching and are willing to pay double the cost for that premium service.
Our pick:
Dexcom Stelo
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