Afrezza
Dexcom Stelo
Summary
Inhalable regular human insulin. Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses.
Dexcom Stelo is the first over-the-counter low-profile, all-in-one glucose sensor/transmitter. This sensor lasts for up to 15 days and sends real-time glucose readings to a compatible smartphone app. No finger pricks or scanning is needed.
*Recently FDA approved for people 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Expected availability is summer 2024.
MARD of 9.2%
Components
Inhaler
Small refillable inhaler contains a compartment for powdered insulin containing cartridges.
Cartridge
Cartridges come in three doses: 4, 8, and 12-unit doses. All color coded.
Device Details
Overview
Nothing on the body when not in use. Visible when dosing.
Small all-in-one sensor/transmitter with a quick warm-up period and can be worn in multiple areas.
Affordability and Access
$$$$
Widely covered. Price range; 0-$99/month, depending on insurance coverage. $35/month for medicare and commercial insurance plans.
$$$$
No insurance coverage data. Pricing is to be announced in summer 2024. Price expected to be low to allow for over the counter distribution.
Data Monitoring Options
No Options
To Be Announced
Data View Options
No Options
To Be Announced
Duration and Storage
10 Days
Open cartridges last up to 10 days. Sealed cartridges may be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F - 46°F until the expiration date.
15 Days
Sensors last 15 days. They are purchased over the counter. Works at 50ºF – 108ºF
Vision / Auditory / Dexterity
NO text to speech
NO vibration alerts
LITTLE dexterity needed
YES text-to-speech
YES vibration alerts
3 sound sources
A LOT of dexterity needed
Patient Considerations
Active Lifestyle
Body free of devices. Does not remain attached to the body.
Waterproof when submerged in 2.4 meters of water and must be within 20 (unobstructed) feet of the receiver or mobile device. This device is intended to help people with non-insulin requiring type 2 diabetes better understand their blood sugar numbers.
Avoiding Highs and Lows
Very short-acting. Absorbs quickly through the lungs to correct high blood sugar but requires attention to prevent lows.
Very limited alerts. This device does not provide alarms and alerts for high, low, and rise/fall rates. This device is intended to track and understand the effects of food on blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
Comfort
Many components. Have to carry multiple cartridges that can be bulky.
Low profile and low maintenance sensor application.
Easy Insulin Dosing
Less precise but easy dosing. Dosing may be less precise due to the inhaled method of dosing, but color-coded cartridges make dosing easier. Dosing can also be done based on small, medium, or large meals and can be administered 1-2 hours post meals.
No options. Stelo is intended for use by people with type 2 diabetes who do not require insulin to manage their blood sugar levels.
Easy to Use
Simple design. Whistle-like device for inhaling insulin.
Real-time data and alerts make dose adjustment easier.
Fewer Fingersticks
Frequent finger-sticks are required.
Factory-calibrated sensor. Finger sticks needed for backup only.
Privacy
Hideable. Small, discreet, and portable device that's not as noticeable as injections.
Small sensor. Discreet and thin sensor that is easy to hide under clothing.