Stelo vs Lingo vs Dexcom G7 –Comparing Top CGMs

Understanding Your CGM Options

There are more CGM sensors in the market than ever, and companies like Nutrisense offer flexibility with multiple prescription CGM and over-the-counter CGMs that sync with a great app, so members can use their own CGM devices or access those available with the program itself.

Currently, some of the most popular sensors in the market include Stelo by Dexcom, Abbott’s Lingo, and the Dexcom G7. And if you're trying to choose between them, you’ve come to the right place! We'll break down these CGMs, their pricing, and app compatibility. We'll also provide other vital factors to consider before deciding on the best CGM for you.

Getting the Most out of CGM Data with Expert Support

While CGMs provide valuable insights into your glucose levels, interpreting this data on your own can be challenging. That’s where expert support from someone trained to work with this data makes a difference. For example, Nutrisense’s team of registered dietitians and nutritionists are all glucose-certified, which means they have a professional certification in CGMs and Glucose Management.

When you sign up with Nutrisense, you can choose to work 1:1 with a registered dietitian through insurance-covered video calls. Your personal dietitian will help you understand your glucose trends, optimize your diet, and make informed lifestyle adjustments.

What is Stelo?

Dexcom Stelo CGM is a pioneering over-the-counter (OTC) continuous glucose monitoring system, approved in early 2024. Since the summer of the same year, it’s been available to buy without a prescription across the United States.

It is designed for a broad audience—for example, people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, those with prediabetes, and even those who want to learn more about how their eating habits affect their blood sugar levels. As one of the first non-prescription CGMs, Stelo offers a simple, no-frills option for beginner glucose monitoring.

• Accuracy: Stelo provides reliable glucose readings with minimal lag. While sensors are designed to last up to 15 days, note that around 20 percent may not last the entire duration, and 10 percent may only last for 12 days.
• Pricing: Stelo offers budget-friendly options with two pricing models: pay-as-you-go for $99 (two sensors) or a subscription plan for $89/month.
• App Compatibility: The Stelo app integrates with Apple Health, providing basic glucose tracking without advanced analytics.

What is Dexcom G7?

The Dexcom G7 is a prescription-only CGM known for its clinical-grade accuracy, customizable features, and sleek design. It's a valuable tool for insulin users and those managing diabetes, as well as people who want to monitor and optimize their health with comprehensive blood glucose monitoring.

Healthcare professionals trust the wearable for its precision and advanced features like customizable alerts and data analytics. An added benefit is its compatibility with Nutrisense’s program—you don’t have to wait for a prescription to get the added insights to help optimize your nutrition and lifestyle habits.

• Accuracy: The Dexcom G7 delivers highly accurate, real-time glucose readings with minimal delay, making it ideal for insulin users and those managing diabetes. It also features a 12-hour grace period for sensor changes, ensuring consistent monitoring.
• Pricing: The Dexcom G7 typically costs more than OTC options. Prices vary depending on the program and provider. You can get your Dexcom G7 from Nutrisense with a prescription included. It’s also eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement! When you sign up for Nutrisense, you also have the option to work with a registered dietitian via insurance-covered video calls.
• App Compatibility: The Dexcom G7 app is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, offering advanced features like customizable alerts and data sharing. When paired with Nutrisense, users benefit from deeper data insights and better tracking options, including meal logging, glucose scores, patterns, trends, and more.

What is Lingo?

Lingo, developed by Abbott, is another over-the-counter CGM approved by the FDA in June 2024. Targeted at wellness users rather than those managing diabetes, Lingo provides affordable and accessible glucose tracking for individuals interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Accuracy: Lingo offers dependable glucose tracking for wellness purposes but may lack the clinical-grade precision needed for diabetes management.
• Pricing: At $49 for a two-week sensor, Lingo is a cost-effective solution for those who need a basic option.
• App Compatibility: Lingo integrates with Apple Health but does not currently support Android devices.

Pros and Cons of Each CGM

Stelo

• Pros: Reliable accuracy, innovative design, affordable pricing, accessible without prescription.
• Cons: Limited advanced analytics and basic app functionality.

Lingo

• Pros: User-friendly, real-time data tracking, budget-friendly pricing, OTC availability.
• Cons: Basic data analysis and their app does not support Android devices.

Dexcom G7

• Pros: It has high accuracy, customizable settings, and is compatible with Nutrisense for expert guidance and advanced analytics.
• Cons: Like all prescription CGMs, it initially comes with a higher price and can be complex for first-time users. However, Nutrisense support can help minimize these challenges.

Comparing CGM Apps – Stelo vs Lingo vs Dexcom G7

Stelo App

As a Dexcom product, the Stelo app offers quick access to blood sugar levels. Its features are limited compared to the Dexcom G7 app, as it focuses on basic tracking and integrates with Apple Health and Android smartphones. It lacks extensive customization or advanced analytics but provides a solid foundation for glucose monitoring and helps track glucose spikes.

Lingo App

Lingo's app provides real-time glucose data in a simple, user-friendly format, perfect for wellness-focused users. It shows glucose levels in real-time, making data trends easy to understand.

The downside is that only Apple Health is supported. Currently, no Android devices are compatible.

Dexcom G7 + Nutrisense

With Nutrisense integration, the Dexcom G7 app offers advanced analytics, customizable alerts, and tailored feedback, enhancing your blood glucose monitoring and management experience. Nutrisense boosts Dexcom G7's features with expert support and deeper data insights, making it ideal for comprehensive glucose monitoring.

Dexcom stands out because it supports both Apple and Android devices and allows users to share data with loved ones or healthcare professionals for better support.

Nutrisense CGM Integration with Nutritionist Support

Interpreting your glucose data without guidance can be overwhelming. Nutrisense offers expert support to maximize CGM readings. By integrating with Dexcom G7 and offering membership and app access for various other CGM sensors, including the Stelo, the Nutrisense program provides a nutritionist-backed platform that interprets data trends, makes personalized recommendations, and ensures accountability for healthy lifestyle changes.

Whether you're new to using CGMs or have experience with them, Nutrisense’s experts can help you make sense of the data and provide actionable steps to improve your health. Their support ensures you're not just tracking numbers but truly understanding how your body responds to food, exercise, and daily habits.

Stelo vs Lingo vs Dexcom G7 – Side-by-Side Comparison

Still not sure where to start? Take our quiz to get a CGM plan recommendation.

How To Choose The Best CGM for You

Each CGM offers different strengths, so the right choice depends on your unique needs:

For Blood Glucose Optimization: G7

Dexcom G7 offers seamless smartphone integration and real-time data, especially powerful with the Nutrisense app for advanced analytics.

For Budget-Conscious Users: Stelo

Lingo and Stelo are cost-effective OTC choices, providing reliable glucose monitoring without high subscription or prescription costs. However, Dexcom G7 may be a more affordable option for individuals who qualify for insurance coverage.

For Active Lifestyles: Stelo & G7

With similar waterproof ranges and designs, Stelo and Dexcom G7 both offer durable designs with secure sensor attachment, suitable for active individuals, so you can swim and sweat worry-free.

For Weight Loss: G7

The Dexcom G7’s real-time glucose data helps users identify how different foods and activities affect their blood sugar levels. But what sets it apart is its easy pairing with the Nutrisense app to log meals, view glucose scores, and experiment with foods. Also, paired with Nutrisense’s expert guidance through insurance-covered video calls with a weight loss expert dietitian, it enables better food and activity choices, helping to optimize fat-burning through tailored strategies.

For First-Time CGM Users: G7 

While Stelo’s simplicity is perfect for beginners, if you want a more comprehensive option while maintaining ease of use, try the Dexcom G7 paired with Nutrisense! It’s a better option for beginners who do not want to compromise on advanced tracking and support.

Your CGM Experience with Nutrisense

Ready to take your glucose monitoring to the next level? Nutrisense offers expert support, flexible plans, and a user-friendly app that makes it easy to track glucose levels, log meals, and understand how different factors affect your metabolic health. Whether you’re using Dexcom G7, Stelo, Lingo, or other CGM devices, Nutrisense provides the tools you need for your health goals.

You get to access real-time glucose data with personalized insights from our team of glucose experts—working 1:1 with a registered dietitian or nutritionist will help you get the most out of your data.