Stelo glucose sensor experience

[momopi]

Stelo Wearable Glucose Biosensor | Stelo by Dexcom

Stelo is the first over the counter (OTC) wearable glucose biosensor available without a prescription, suitable for people with type 2 diabetes not on insulin.

www.stelo.com

So my latest A1C test came back a bit high and my diabetic care nurse suggested that I order Stelo, which is made by Dexcom. This is a wearable sensor that you apply to your skin, it's active for 15 days and report your glucose level to the app (on your phone) every 5 mins.

Unless if you're on insulin therapy, insurance will not pay for Dexcom G7, so I have to pay for Stelo out of pocket ($45-$50 each). As far as I know the sensor technology is about the same, with Dexcom G7 app providing more details than Stelo, though you can still connect with Clarity or 3rd party apps like Shuggah on your cell phone.

After reading reddit thread on Stelo:

https://www.reddit.com/r/stelo/comments/1f9b8be/stelo_tips_tricks_and_faqs

* Don't expect good customer service.
* Applying the sensor with spring loaded applicator is painless (don't worry about the needle). Don't chuck the applicator, it has the sensor ID on it.
* The sensor doesn't work for everyone due physiological differences. For example, the sensor worked great for me in back upper arm, but that doesn't mean it will work great for you in same location. Some have better luck when used on their thighs.
* After installing Stelo, use your manual glucose monitor (finger prick) to compare the results.
* Don't freak out if your Stelo app shows 250 on the graph, download a report from Clarity.

The biggest benefit, I think, is behavioral modification from viewing your glucose score throughout the day. Like Prius drivers trying to maximize their gas mileage, this device will nudge you to eat fewer carbs as you try to increase % in the "green zone" (70-180). You can see exactly what 1 slice of pizza will do.

I have my app setup to connect to Kaiser and, after reviewing the report, my nurse was able to adjust (reduce) my medication accordingly.

 

[qwerty]

Good luck Momo. Both of my parents were diabetics and had amputations. My A1C came in at 5.6 up from 5.4 about 1.5 years earlier and that was enough of a scare to move to a lower carb diet. Now I get 40% of my calories from carbs, and 30-40%, each from fat and protein. It’s been about 3 months since I switched to this diet and will probably get an A1C test within the next 30 days to see how it’s working. But I have been tempted to by a Dexcom wearable to see how certain foods impact the glucose levels. I eat quest bars on a daily basis and those seem to not spike your glucose from tests I have seen online from people wearing a wearable glucose monitor.

The interesting thing was people would eat keto bread and some would get a spike and others would not.

Are you actually diabetic or just elevated A1C? Have your tried zepbound/mounjaro?

If for some reason I become pre-diabetic I’m going straight to zepbound. I don’t want any part of diabetes.

Good luck Momo!

 

[momopi]

Good luck Momo. Both of my parents were diabetics and had amputations. My A1C came in at 5.6 up from 5.4 about 1.5 years earlier and that was enough of a scare to move to a lower carb diet. Now I get 40% of my calories from carbs, and 30-40%, each from fat and protein. It’s been about 3 months since I switched to this diet and will probably get an A1C test within the next 30 days to see how it’s working. But I have been tempted to by a Dexcom wearable to see how certain foods impact the glucose levels. I eat quest bars on a daily basis and those seem to not spike your glucose from tests I have seen online from people wearing a wearable glucose monitor.
The interesting thing was people would eat keto bread and some would get a spike and others would not.
Are you actually diabetic or just elevated A1C? Have your tried zepbound/mounjaro?
If for some reason I become pre-diabetic I’m going straight to zepbound. I don’t want any part of diabetes.
Good luck Momo!

I have type 2 diabetes and take oral medication (glipizide, metformin). The typical treatment target is to keep A1C below 7.0, mine went over so they had me order Stelo. Interestingly, the nurse said my issue was that I was taking too much medication in the evenings, which caused glucose level to drop below 70 at night (nocturnal hypoglycemia). My body released more glucose from morning to noon in response, which caused the elevated A1C.

By reducing my medication in evenings and eating more carbs at dinner, I actually reduced my glucose level in the morning and shortened the morning spike. My average glucose level yesterday was 121. The Stelo app encourages you to keep your level within the green zone at 70-180. per my nurse, the daily goal is to stay 80% within the zone. Currently I'm 89% within the range.

To reduce blood sugar levels, I recommend "Hero" brand low carb breads: https://www.hero.co/

It tastes normal (not sawdust like) but cost $10/bag. Your glucose level may go up after eating, but what's important is how fast it falls. For example, if you ate pizza, you can expect glucose level to stay high longer.

I like hero brand Hawaiian rolls (buy at Alberton's for $10). For the white and seeded toast, I eat it with low carb almond butter. Almond milk is also low carb but not everyone like the taste.

 

[qwerty]

I was actually at Albertsons and saw the hero bread. I was about to buy it when I saw the sodium in it. Each slice has 10% of your daily salt intake which is really high. I have been eating Dave’s inked seeded keto bread from Costco which has 5%, I eat two slices a day. I have high blood pressure (it’s controlled with meds) so I try to limit my salt intake to the 2300 mg/day and I usually eat around 1800-1900 mg.

Hopefully you can keep the diabetes in check. Wouldn’t wish an amputation on anyone.



It sucks getting old

 

[momopi]

Has anyone tried "Sola" low carb bread and bagels? It's avail via special order from Walmart.

Low Carb and Keto-Friendly Bread, Bagels, and Buns - Sola

Sola Bread is dedicated to creating delicious low carb, keto-friendly bread in a variety of flavors and products. Find a store near you to try today!

thesolacompany.com

Where to Find Our Keto-Friendly and Low Carb Bread - Sola

Don’t know where to find Sola’s keto-friendly and low carb bread, bagels, and granola? Check out our store locator page today!

thesolacompany.com

Robot or human?

 

[zovall]

Has anyone tried "Sola" low carb bread and bagels? It's avail via special order from Walmart.

Low Carb and Keto-Friendly Bread, Bagels, and Buns - Sola

Sola Bread is dedicated to creating delicious low carb, keto-friendly bread in a variety of flavors and products. Find a store near you to try today!

thesolacompany.com

Where to Find Our Keto-Friendly and Low Carb Bread - Sola

Don’t know where to find Sola’s keto-friendly and low carb bread, bagels, and granola? Check out our store locator page today!

thesolacompany.com

Robot or human?

Haven't tried Sola but I do like Base Culture's '7 Nut & Seed' bread. I get it from Whole Foods in the freezer section.