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Clinical tools · Over-the-counter CGM

OTC CGM: assess suitability and support use

Assess whether a specific over-the-counter sensor fits the person’s needs, support appropriate use, and review whether it helps.

Created bydanatech Clinical Staff
Clinical reviewPatty Scalzo, MSN, ANP-BC, CDCES
ADCES Clinical Team
Last updatedNovember 2026

Insulin use, hypoglycemia risk, or a need for alerts or device integration? Use the prescription CGM workflow

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1

Assess the purpose and suitability

Start with what the person needs from monitoring, then review the specific product. This adult outpatient workflow is not a pediatric initiation protocol.

Step 1: Agree on the question the sensor should help answerTypical leadDCES / educatorPrescriberMay supportPharmacistNursePerson / care partner

Clarify what the person hopes to learn and how the information could change a useful action. Wearing a sensor alone does not establish a health benefit.

Step 1 checklist
Step 2: Check the product and decide whether OTC use is appropriateTypical leadPrescriberDCES / educatorMay supportPharmacistNursePerson / care partner

Review the current labeling for the exact product, rather than treating OTC sensors as interchangeable. Lingo and Stelo are not indicated for insulin users and do not provide low-glucose safety alarms. Stelo is not intended for people with problematic hypoglycemia. Check other product-specific restrictions and precautions.

Choose the suitability outcome below. This records the clinician’s assessment; the tool does not determine device eligibility. Check current product features and labeling in the danatech Find and Compare CGMs tool.

Step 2 checklist
Record the suitability assessment

This records your clinical assessment of the specific product and planned use. It does not automatically determine whether a device is appropriate.

2

Prepare for purchase and use

Continue when the selected product is appropriate for the planned use. Support independent setup or arrange additional help according to the person’s needs.

Step 3: Confirm access, cost, and practical supportTypical leadDCES / educatorMay supportPharmacistNursePerson / care partner

For the Lingo and Stelo systems covered here, confirm a compatible smartphone and app. Their requirements differ from prescription systems that may offer a dedicated reader.

Step 3 checklist
Step 4: Set up the sensor and confirm practical useTypical leadDCES / educatorMay supportPharmacistNursePerson / care partner

The person may set up the device independently using the manufacturer’s instructions, with clinical support as needed. An in-person training appointment is not a universal requirement.

Step 4 checklist
3

Support interpretation and review benefit

Give the person a clear plan for understanding the information, responding to concerns, and reviewing whether continued use is worthwhile.

Step 5: Explain readings, app feedback, and the response planTypical leadPrescriberDCES / educatorMay supportPharmacistNursePerson / care partner

A glucose value, trend graph, app reference range, and coaching score answer different questions. Review these with the person; do not treat app scores or a single rise as diagnostic thresholds.

Step 5 checklist
Step 6: Review the data and decide on the next stepTypical leadPrescriberDCES / educatorMay supportPharmacistNursePerson / care partner

At the agreed review, start with the person’s question and experience. Consider symptoms, medications, meals, activity, illness, and the available days and gaps before interpreting patterns.

Step 6 checklist

About this tool

How should I use this workflow?

Start with the goal and suitability assessment. In Step 2, record whether the selected product is appropriate for the planned use; purchase and use-support steps open after that decision. Conditional tasks can be marked N/A. A check records your confirmation of work; it doesn’t verify clinical readiness or replace the clinical record.

Who leads the work?

Roles are examples, not staffing requirements. The person may set up an OTC sensor independently using the manufacturer’s instructions; arrange clinical help when they need it.

Saving and printing

Saving is off by default; without it, progress clears on reload. Saving is separate for each workflow, stays on this browser, and doesn’t sync or hand work to another team member. Printing expands every applicable step. Use the clinical record for patient information, assignments and deadlines.

Sources and scope

Scope. For healthcare professionals supporting adults considering or using an over-the-counter (OTC) glucose sensor. Use current product labeling; this is not a pediatric initiation guide or a complete comparison of all OTC products.

Product features and labeling: danatech Find and Compare CGMs.

  1. American Diabetes Association. 7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026. Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1):S150–S165.
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Stelo 510(k) K260935 (2026): current indications and product-specific restrictions.
  3. Abbott. Lingo intended population and safety information.
  4. Dexcom. Current Stelo safety documents.

Abbreviations: A1C, hemoglobin A1C; AID, automated insulin delivery; CGM, continuous glucose monitoring; DCES, diabetes care and education specialist; DME, durable medical equipment; OTC, over the counter; PA, prior authorization.

Use current product labeling, clinical judgment and applicable local protocols. Record patient-specific decisions, assignments and follow-up in the clinical record. Product labeling and payer requirements can change.

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DISCLAIMERS: 

This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your diabetes care and education specialist or health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. To find a diabetes care and education specialist near you, visit the ADCES finder tool.

ADCES and danatech curate product specifics and periodically review them for accuracy and relevance. As a result, the information may or may not be the most recent. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website for the latest details if you have any questions.


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