Dexcom G7 vs Stelo: What's the Difference?
We buy sealed diabetic supplies for cash. We do not sell supplies.
The biggest difference in G7 vs Stelo is who each one is for. The Dexcom G7 needs a prescription and is made for people who use insulin, among others. Stelo is sold over the counter to adults who don't use insulin, and it doesn't warn you about lows.
Selling? See how we buy Dexcom G7.
This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own care.
Both come from Dexcom, and the boxes look related. Here's how they compare and how to tell them apart.
How do G7 vs Stelo compare?
This table covers the main points.
| Dexcom G7 | G7 15 Day | Stelo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Prescription | Prescription | Over the counter |
| Ages | 2 and older | 18 and older | 18 and older, no insulin |
| Wear time | 10 days + 12-hour grace | 15 days + 12-hour grace | Up to 15 days |
| Urgent low alert | Yes | Yes | No |
The FDA cleared Stelo in March 2024 as the first over-the-counter CGM. That's why you can buy it without a prescription.
Who is each one made for?
The FDA says Stelo is for adults 18 and older who don't use insulin. That includes people with type 2 diabetes who manage it with pills, and people without diabetes who want to track their levels.
The FDA also says Stelo isn't designed to alert you to low blood sugar. So it's not meant for people who have problem lows.
If you use insulin, Stelo isn't the right tool. Talk to your doctor about a prescription sensor instead.
Stelo pairs with an app on your phone. You buy it, wear it and read your numbers without a doctor's visit. That's handy, but it also means no one checks that it fits your needs. So ask your doctor anyway if you have diabetes.
The 10-day Dexcom G7 is cleared for people 2 and older. The G7 15 Day is for adults 18 and older.
Both need a prescription. The G7 app has an Urgent Low alert that you can't turn off, and you can adjust most other alerts. Your doctor helps you choose and set them up.
If low blood sugar is a worry for you, ask your doctor which alerts you need. That answer often settles the choice.
Not sure which G7 you have? Our guide on G7 15 Day vs 10 Day shows where to look.
How do you tell the boxes apart?
You can do it without opening anything. Check these spots:
- The name on the front. Stelo boxes say "Stelo." G7 boxes say "Dexcom G7."
- The "15 Day" mark. The longer-wear G7 box says "15 Day" on the front.
- The label. Each product has its own REF number, LOT number and use-by date.
The use-by date sits next to an hourglass symbol. That symbol comes from the ISO 15223-1 label standard. Use or sell the oldest dates first.
A real-life example
Say your doctor tried Stelo first, then moved you to a G7 once you started insulin. Now you have two kinds of Dexcom boxes in the same drawer.
Pull them all out and read each front. Do it in good light, one box at a time. Put the Stelo boxes in one stack and the G7 boxes in another. Then split the G7 stack by "15 Day" and write down every date.
That takes five minutes. Now you know what you'll use, and what's left over. Keep the list on your phone, so you can check it before you reorder.
Can you switch between them?
That's a question for your doctor. G7 vs Stelo isn't a simple swap, since they're made for different needs.
Moving from Stelo to a G7 means getting a prescription, since the G7 needs one. Moving from a G7 to Stelo only makes sense if you no longer use insulin and don't need low alerts. Your doctor can tell you which fits.
Bring your questions to the visit. Ask whether you need low alerts, how long you'll wear each sensor, and which one your plan covers. Those three answers point to the right box.
Cost can differ too. Your health plan may cover a prescription sensor but not an over-the-counter one, or the other way around. Call the number on your card to ask.
How should you store Dexcom sensors?
Dexcom says to keep sensors in their sterile packaging and store them between 36°F and 86°F. Room temperature or the fridge works, but don't freeze them.
Pick a cool closet inside your home. Keep boxes away from windows, and never leave them in a hot car.
Heading out for a trip? Pack sensors in your carry-on bag so they stay with you. A checked bag or trunk can get hot fast in summer.
Keep each product in its own stack. It makes the next box easy to find. Put the oldest dates in front, so you use them first.
What if you have extras?
Sealed boxes you won't use can still help someone. Check that each box is sealed and in date, then take a clear photo of the front and the label.
If you're thinking of selling, our guide on how to sell unused Dexcom G7 sensors covers the steps. The same steps work for Stelo. Never sell an opened box, and never sell supplies paid for by Medicare or Medi-Cal.
Keep reading
Questions
Do I need a prescription for Stelo?
No. The FDA cleared Stelo for over-the-counter sale to adults 18 and older who don't use insulin.
Does Stelo have low alerts?
No. The FDA says Stelo isn't designed to alert you to low blood sugar, so it's not for people with problem lows.
How long does a Stelo sensor last?
The FDA says each Stelo sensor can be worn for up to 15 days. The 10-day G7 lasts 10 days plus a 12-hour grace period.
Do you buy both Stelo and G7?
Yes, if the boxes are sealed and not expired. We buy Stelo, the 10-day G7 and the G7 15 Day.
Have extra G7 or Stelo sensors?
If you're holding G7 vs Stelo extras, sealed boxes can still help someone. We buy sealed, unexpired Stelo, Dexcom G7 and G7 15 Day sensors, and we never charge a fee. Send a photo of the box front and label for a free quote.
Sources
- FDA: FDA clears first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor
- Dexcom Provider: how G7 15 Day differs from G7
- Dexcom: G7 15 Day receives FDA clearance (April 10, 2025)
- Dexcom: how do I customize Dexcom G7 alert settings?
- ISO 15223-1:2021, medical device label symbols
- Dexcom: how do I store my Dexcom supplies?