Thanks for doing this video. Even though I help my wife with her CGM, I was worried about doing it myself. Watching you do it, really made me more confidant. I didn't feel a thing and still don't. Keep checking to make sure it hasn't fallen off.
That's great. You know, you might enjoy my September group which aims to make everyone a bit of an expert at all this. You sound like someone who would really be fun to have in the group. www.realfood-matters.net/hack-your-blood-sugar
Thanks for the video. I’m using this for metabolic health to prevent diabetes since I have some risk factors I’m working on. I just applied the sensor today and was kind of bummed to see the readable range only goes down to 70. The guide says if your glucose levels measure below 70, it will just say “less than 70”. Sometimes I run low, so I would have really liked a lower reportable range.
I just discovered something. Even though the App updates every 15 minutes. When it does update it gives you readings for each five minute period since the last update. For example I got a updated reading at 7:38 P.M., but at the next update at 7:53 P.M. it also posted readings for 7:43 P.M. and 7:48 P.M.
I have been wearing Stelo 3 days. I didn’t know where to put it because they said don’t sleep on it. Im a back sleeper so I could possibly get pressure low, so I put it on the side of my arm. I too, am using it as a prediabetic to see what foods trigger a spike as I am still on a keto weight, loss journey, and I’ve been plateaued for a long time.
You know, it's not the worst thing to sleep on it. There are no alarms to wake you up. Just understand that if you see a low reading, it's probably a pressure low.
If you are plateaued, you should try mixing things up. Do more fat, less carb. Or do more protein, less carb. Bump up the exercise for a day or two. Just something to break any routine you might be in. For me I get stricter carnivore. That always gets things going again. Down 200 lbs this year. Only another 50 to go.
It's the best place for it. But there are alternatives. I don't think the forearm would be my top choice. Here's some info: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-M0Ii4VJ-2WA.htmlsi=hgJT8T_vOOz4WGCF
I currently have a Dexcom G7 that at first always gives me very low (50) readings for the first 24 hours. The app will sound alarms because the reading is so low (PITA). After the first 24hrs, I'm able to calibrate with a finger stick. Does the Stelo have alarms and will it let you calibrate it?
No alarms!! Woo hoo! And I haven't seen calibration options. Still working that out, but I'm thinking this will come factory calibrated like the Libre since it's an OTC system and users would need a glucometer for that.
Thanks for the video. Having never used any of these monitors it gave me a good idea what to expect. But you mumbled through something about contact sharing. Are you required to share your contacts in order to use this?
No. But because I'm a healthcare provider, I have my clients share their data with me so I can support them remotely with their blood sugar. Also, we have a nice CGM users group over on Facebook if you'd like to join! facebook.com/groups/cgmforeveryone
I noticed that my G7 trend was erratic (jittery). Since I switched from the G6 to the G7 Sensors, I am having a big issue with the data trend being very erratic, often jumping by up to 80 units from one reading to the next. Can you tell me what causes this and how to minimize this. I did not have this issue with the G6
I'd have to see your data and ask questions to answer your question. But if you are basing this on only one sensor it could just be that sensor. Could be lots of things
Hi. Great video. I noticed that there's more than one app for Dexicom. I will be ordering my Dexicom Stelo CGM and would like to download and set up my app while waiting for it to arrive. Is there a specific app for the Dexicom Stelo CGM? The apps that I am seeing are Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7 and Dexcom Clarity so I am now unsure which would be compatible to the Stelo CGM.
Special one for the Stelo. Can't really do too much before you get the sensor package. Some...abount 2/3 of the steps you can do without the actual sensor.
Thank you for the demo. It was very helpful. I also got a monitor. It is an excellent tool to have. The one drawback I see is that I cannot download the data to my computer. I checked with Dexcom and they said data cannot be downloaded. I don't know what Clarity is, but if you have additional info on this topic, kindly let me know. Thank you.
The G7 can connect directly to the Apple watch, but first needs to pair via the smartphone. Can the Stelo go directly to the Apple watch? Pressing the sensor for the 10 seconds is to ensure full contact of the adhesive.
The instructions show it paring with both a phone and a watch. So I think it should. I don't have the correct watch model so I can't test it. I have an old series 3 if you can believe it.
@@pabeader1941 I had a series 3 and it would not connect. Currently have a series 7 and it works fine. When I started the G7 I wanted readings on my watch which I had with the G6 (through the iphone). Ordered the watch and then found out the latest operating system on my iPhone 8 would not run the the series 7 watch. So I had to upgrade my phone as well. It was an unexpected expense. Glad I have it now but on the frustrating side.
They've just killed all the businesses around CGM with these prices! 😑 All those apps and coaching programs... +1 for washing with soap before applying alcohol. I've had three Libre sensors come off this way, especially for those with oily skin
Hello, can you synch with Stelo and Clarity at the same time? I don't need a cgm, but I live on a keto gluten free diet. I just want to learn about food and my body responses. Downloading the info is somewhat important for me, that's why I wonder if using the Clarity app is an option. Thanks!
Nope. It really doesn't. Let us know how it goes! Jump in to the Facebook group if you want to ask more questions. facebook.com/share/g/a4LoysfNSmgTa81m/
I understand it sends data to the app by Bluetooth. I don't always carry my phone with me since I have a watch with LTE. So will the Stelo continue to collect data and send it to the app once it reconnects to the app?
Yes. I've experimented turning my phone off overnight and the sensor stored that data and transmitted it to my phone within 15 minutes of turning it on.
Can you please let me know if the included overpatch is good or do i need a better one. And does it matter that im heavy set That it won't stick as well. I really want to try the stelo
It does include an overpatch. Some people like an extra one for a bit of insurance. I don't, personally. But people I know who do tend to sweat a lot, have oily skin, bump into things a lot. Being heavy-set won't matter as much, unless it causes you to bump your arm into things like door frames. (Door frames and sports bras are the enemies of the CGM). I like this one. Comes in many colors: amzn.to/3ZhLn0h
Zero pain. Looking at the needle in the applicator is scary looking, but there was not pain at all. I believe it's because the needle is very sharp and it's a quick in and out.
I'll be honest, it's not a painful experience at all. BUT... Now and then, you'll insert it into just the right spot and you feel it. Not terrible, but you know it's there. It's happened to me once in the past few years
Does the software allow calibration with a finger stick like the G7? I'm a T2D non insulin user who purchases the G7 online. If not calibrated with finger sticks, they are not reliable. Though half the price of the G7, I wouldn't consider the Stelo worth a penny if it cannot be calibrated with a finger stick.
That's a question for dexcom. But the app should only work with smartphones with NFC capability. I'm not an apple person, but an iPad isn't a mobile phone... right?
Being able to download the sampling data (glucose results every 5 minutes) would be critical to the use of this device. Notably, this device is most useful to those who are borderline prediabetic/prediabetic or diabetics not being treated so that those folks can share that data in raw or graphical form with their MDs (e.g., is a borderline A1c OK if your serum glucose is very high for 8 hours per day?). Second best would be the ability to download the graphical reports for each of the 14 days captured by the device. But according to Dexcom customer service when I asked about downloading data: "Stelo does not offer downloadable reports the way that Dexcom G7 or G6 do using the companion app called Dexcom Clarity". This lack of functionality is a bit of (bad) joke IMO. And I don't think Stelo integrates with Clarity.
@@gonebyrv9748 That's very interesting as one would have thought that Dexcom, in answering my questions would have said something like the Stelo App doesn't do what you want but the Clarity App does and the Stelo device is compatible with the Clarity App. Also, while Dexcom does note on its website that Clarity is compatible with all "Dexcom" CGMs the Stelo CGM is branded as a Stelo device not a Dexcom device. I've sent another message to Dexcom about this compatibility issue.
Hi I've been using Stelo for two days now. This is my first cgm. I like the instant feedback. There is NO Stelo phone support... only the Bot. Here is my question for you or anyone who is using Stelo: Is it possible to view previous day's graph [back more than 24 hours]??? So far no one can answer!!!! Thanks
For this, you use Clarity. All Dexcom CGMs integrate with Clarity. When you view your data on the Clarity desktop app (which is free) you can really comb through all your historical data. I plan to do a video or webinar on this soon. But maybe you can figure it out on your own. Start with "how do I use Dexcom Clarity"
Yowzer... Thanks... there are amazing reports on clarity!!!! The Stelo initial week is less than stellar However, I'm loving the hourly data... it gives me great feedback Thanks millions for the info
I've been using Stelo G7 for a week and love it!!... but you can't calibrate it and my readings are about 15 points lower then 2 different blood glucose meters I have and when I have a low blood glucose in the middle of night it doesn't make me very happy knowing it's a false alarm. I know they want to keep the price low but calibration should be a no brainer
I hear you. (Assume you mean the Dexcom Stelo, not the G7). That's great you have other reliable meters to "calibrate" it to. I use the quotes because we use these to follow trends. And if you can pop a note in the app to remind yourself that it's running 15 mg/dl lower, then you'll have it there in Clarity for when/if you review historical data.
I've had nothing but problems with my Stelo. First sensor had some sort of temporary error after about a week of use. I received a message saying that it said would take up to three hours to correct itself. When it started working again some of the readings did not seem accurate at all so I called their support line only to find they have no technical support that you can actually talk with for the Stelo....only their G7 sensor. So I submitted an online ticket and to my surprise they sent me a knew sensor. That seemed great until the replacement sensor lasted only two days before I received another error message. This time while I waited for it to correct itself, I received a series of beeps and received a message that my session was over and a "Start New Sensor" button appeared on the app! Even with the two sensors I only got 14 days of coverage. You are supposed to have 15 days coverage plus a 12 hour grace period per sensor. There were no external circumstances that should have caused the sensors to fail, i.e. pressure, heat, being tugged off, etc.
@@HackYourBloodSugar To their credit, they promptly replaced the second sensor too! Despite the issues so far, I'm finding wearing the CGM helpful. It is definitely making me more disciplined in my eating choices (I'm pre-diabetic).
I've been using the Stelo for 2 days now. I am pre-diabetic and using it to see how different foods and exercise levels affect my blood glucose levels. I do have a concern already, however. I took a sample of BG using the finger prick method and compared it to my Stelo reading. I did this yesterday morning and this morning at the same times of the day. The CGM read 17 points higher yesterday vs. the finger stick, and 18 points higher this morning. I realize that one tests BG directly from the blood and the CGM from the interstitial tissue, but these readings seem very far apart to me. Has anyone else found this to true?
My experience with the G7, is the first day is usually off (higher), by quite a bit. Second day is closer to normal. But it's the subsequent days that settle into a consistency (usually lower), for me. So unless one calibrates it manually, it takes awhile for the thing to find its bearings. I'm looking to switch to Stelo, since it's cheaper.
@@erikarois I get superlows also. But seems to be later in the lifetime of the sensor. It seems to start out high. Then it moves towards the lower range, towards the later days of the sensor. Wakes me up at night with low glucose alerts. Interrupts my sleep. Bug the hell out of me.
@@mintakan003 my first one disconnected and after 4 hours it said they would send me another. I eat low carb, but I know it should be higher than this. I just ate dried fruit and it is only reading 102. I should be above 120. This just seem useless. Like I get that it’s not medical grade, but wow. It’s really not helpful.
I don't have diabetes or prediabetes but I wanted to see how my blood glucose levels in response to what I eat. I have been using a glucometer to occasionally check my fasting glucose level and after meals. I started using the Stelo 12 hours ago. Insertion was completely painless which was a nice surprise. The readings have been running higher than expected. I compared to a finger stick while the Stelo reported steady levels and it was about 15 points higher than the finger stick. I am hoping it settles down tomorrow.
@@HackYourBloodSugar thank you , I would but I don’t use FB. I would like to hear more about others’ experiences with Stelo. I have seen some surprisingly high numbers and when I cross check with a calibrated glucometer, it’s often 20-50 points higher. It’s always higher, never lower. I wish that you could calibrate it like you can the Dexcom G7. I am thinking that the reason you can’t has more to do with marketing than technology. I’m having to use the Stelo as more of an indicator of where my glucose is rising or falling rather than an exact number, basically ignoring the Y axis.
@@Vam1500 Using Stelo for metabolic health for 3 days, and once it was off by 20 points: 79 finger stick and ~99 GCM.. last meal/food was like 2-3 hrs before this discrepancy...
I have regular Dexcom on one arm Stelo on the other arm. Stelo was always 30 to 40 points off, compared to the regular Dexcom and finger stick. Apparently, there is no way to fix the inaccuracy. Stelo is a scam!
According to Dexcom's Clarity user guide, Clarity WILL work with Stelo. Since Clarity is far more robust than the Stelo app, why would anyone use the S app? Also, the Clarity app is compatible with earlier gen iPhone OS. Don't know if you can download raw Stelo CGM data using Clarity though but you should be able to download and e-mail the various canned reports.
I have a phobia of needles from some early-age experiences, can you share more about the insertion and images of the needle/component that goes into your arm and how it feels, etc? This has prevented me from exploring such options, even though I am curious about CGM both for myself as well as other family since I think it's an important biomarker to track regularly. Additionally, can you tell us where the least sensitive alternate area(s) are for alternate placement? Back of the arm won't work for anyone I know given various factors and I'm simply curious about nerve sensitivity and ease of dealing with having such a device attached continually since I have a hard time even wearing an Apple Watch regularly due to discomfort and sensitivity.
I hate needles and looking at that the one in the Stelo applicator didn't help. But I felt absolutely nothing. Zero pain, quick and easy. This was my first CGM.
I too am scared of needles. Don’t look at the applicator. When I applied it, it made a loud noise and I felt nothing uncomfortable. I almost thought the sensor did not get applied properly.
I used Stelo for 2 weeks and was very shocked at how inaccurate it was. It was off by 30 points sometimes. According to Stelo I am not diabetic anymore. I cancelled my subscription and I have not put the second Stelo on yet. I will install the second sensor and see how it preforms.
The standard deviation is about 16 pts. I know the stelo app says I am 103 now, but the log it sent to Samsung Health says 117. It's definitely inaccurate.
@@HackYourBloodSugar Yeah, I had read that some people said theirs was high, but got more accurate after a few days. If it stays 10 to 15 points high I'll just have to keep that in mind throughout the day.
@@HackYourBloodSugar Mine was still reading 15 to 20 points high after two days. On another channel person that wears a Dexcom G7 said that they get the best readings by placing it on the thigh. So I took off the sensor on my arm and placed the second one on my thigh. Have to see how that works. I contacted Stelo and said I had a defected sensor. So hopefully, they replace the first sensor.
Mine is wildly inaccurate and swings all over the place. plus or minus 30 points from the countour next. Hopefully it gets better and I don't see any way to calibrate it.
Mine dislodged after 5 days of use. Never had this happen during my 6 months of use of the G7. I recommend that you keep the cartridge or at least a photo of it as you will need this info to get a replacement, which I did not. Type 2, Ozympic, Medicare so no coverage for CGMs
Well that's annoying. You can get your sensor info from the app. But saving the applicator is a great idea. And you know, I've helped folks with T2 using ozempic. If you'd like some support getting the most of that med without the side effects and safely reducing other meds, give me a call.
@@HackYourBloodSugarI wasn’t able to find the info in the app. BTW it does work with the Clarity app which I thought was great. I purchased additional over patches to use and my second sensor is fine. I’ve been on Trulicity for a long time, only switched to Ozempic because of a Trulicity shortage here.
