How Dads Can Master Glucose Monitoring in 2025

As a dad, you know how important it is to stay on top of your health, not just for yourself but for your family. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, you are probably monitoring your blood glucose using a finger prick.  A Continuous Glucose Monitoring system gives you that number every 60 seconds so you can start to match up your daily habits with the effect on your blood sugar.  Knowing your glucose levels can be a game-changer since you can see how spikes affect your energy levels and overall well-being. Understanding how your body reacts to different foods and activities can empower you to make better lifestyle choices, ensuring you have the energy and vitality to keep up with your kids. In 2025, these new tools for glucose monitoring make this easier than ever with advanced technology that provides real-time insights into your health.

Important note: these devices are not meant to monitor glucose if you are taking insulin. 

As of May 2025, these were the only two consumer glucose monitoring devices on the market in the U.S.  There is also the Freestyle Libre, but that device must be prescribed by a medical professional.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Glucose Biosensor & App by Dexcom – $99.00 (for 2)  $49.50 each, but not sold separately
• Best Value: Lingo Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) & App – $49.00

How to Choose the Right Glucose Monitor

When choosing a glucose monitoring system, consider factors such as ease of use, accuracy, app functionality, and overall value for money. These elements can significantly impact your experience and the insights you gain from monitoring your glucose levels. Both of these monitors come from established, trustworthy companies. Neither option is lacking in the science and technology necessary for accurate results. Both function very well with similar experiences and since their prices are almost identical (per unit; the Dexcom comes two units per package). it’s a toss-up on which one is right for you.

Each one uses a simple system to insert a tiny monitoring needle in the fleshy part of your arm. In both cases, the paper instructions were a bit hard ot understand, but luckily, both apps have step-by-step instructions. The needle is so tiny that you almost have to squint to see it but that makes the insertion part noisy, but almost completely sensation-free, at least in terms of feeling the needle. 

Here is my experience with both devices. 

Stelo Glucose Biosensor & App by Dexcom

The Stelo Glucose Biosensor might be your go-to companion for mastering glucose monitoring in 2025. This nifty device offers continuous glucose tracking, providing you with personalized insights to help you understand your glucose patterns better. Whether you’re at home or on the go, the Stelo app (available for both iOS and Android) makes it easy to keep tabs on your levels without the hassle of constant finger pricks. With a wear time of up to 15 days, this biosensor is designed for convenience, allowing you to focus on what really matters—your health and lifestyle choices.

I tried out this monitor and found it mostly easy to use. The directions are clear and if you’ve had much experience pairing your phone to other bluetooth devices, this shouldn’t create any challenges. Since the cost of the patch is pretty high, I didn’t feel comfortable taking the chance of putting it on myself. My wife was happy to help out. All she had to do was swab the softer underside of my arm, press the applicator to my skin and then push a button. The applicator made a loud stapling sound that freaked her out, but I felt nothing more than the applicator pushing against my arm. On my second 15-day stint, I felt a very, very tiny prick of the needle going in but not enough to say it was uncomfortable in the slightest. 

I only felt a little cutting pain on the use of the second patch for my second 2 week period. The pain wasn’t intense enough for me to remove the device, but it felt like the tiny needle was cutting at my skin. This symptom wasn’t continuous so I just dealt with the minor pain. (I did not have a similar experience with the Lingo though I only wore one Lingo patch and only for two weeks, so this might also occur with the Stelo competitor). 

After the patch covering the needle was stuck on, there is a secondary waterproof seal that encloses the device so that you can shower or swim with it on. They ask that you wait 12 hours before immersing it in water. At $50 each, you may be understandably wary of wearing the patch in the shower or tub, but in all three trial uses of the patches over a total of six weeks (two for Stelo, one for Lingo), I had no water intrusion. 

Taking the patch off was more uncomfortable, but only because I was pulling the adhesive off of my hairy arms. I did not feel the small needle being removed.  

What Other People Say

Users rave about the Stelo’s ease of use and accuracy. Many have found it to be a reliable tool for tracking their glucose levels without the discomfort of traditional methods. The app’s user-friendly interface is frequently highlighted, making it accessible for anyone looking to take control of their health.

• I recently purchased the Stelo Continuous Glucose Monitor and have been thoroughly impressed with its performance. The application process was quick and painless, and the accompanying app is intuitive, making tracking a seamless experience. The accuracy is solid, providing confidence in my glucose trends. Overall, Stelo has been a game-changer in how I understand and manage my glucose levels.

  – C.C.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Long wear time of up to 15 days
• Waterproof design for active lifestyles
• Compatible with both iOS and Android devices

Cons:

• Some users report occasional inaccuracies
• Stapling sound when the needle/patch is inserted is shocking to some
• Not cheap! Annual cost would be $1200

Why You’ll Love It

• Fairly simple setup and use
• Accurate and consistent readings
• Comfortable design. Other than it snagging on a t-shirt, you won’t know you have it on
• Real-time data for better dietary choices

Cost-Effective Monitoring

Investing in the Stelo biosensor can save you time and money in the long run. With its extended wear time and the elimination of frequent finger pricks, you can focus on your health without the constant need for supplies.

Current Price: $99.00 (2-pack)

Amazon Rating: 4.7 (Total: 5+)

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Lingo Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) & App

The Lingo Continuous Glucose Monitor is made by the pharmaceutical giant Abbott. Like the Dexcom Stelo, it is designed to help you take charge of your glucose levels effortlessly. Its biosensor is very similar and also lasts up to 14 days. Since it monitors continuously, you can see your glucose level instantly without the hassle of finger pricks. The Lingo app, compatible with iPhone 11 and later (no Android app), provides real-time insights, making it easier for you to understand how your diet affects your glucose levels. Whether you’re at home or out and about, this device is a practical companion for anyone looking to improve their health.

What Other People Say

Users frequently mention how the Lingo CGM has transformed their understanding of their glucose levels. Many appreciate the comfort of the biosensor and the convenience of the app, which makes tracking their health a breeze. The real-time feedback is often highlighted as a motivating factor for healthier eating habits.

• I love the Lingo! It was easy to apply, and I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is to wear. The app is straightforward, and I appreciate how it tracks my glucose levels in real-time. It’s been a real eye-opener to see how different foods affect my body, and I feel more in control of my health now.

  – A.L.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Long-lasting biosensor with a 14-day wear time
• User-friendly app for easy tracking
• Real-time glucose updates

Cons:

• Some users have reported issues with app accuracy

Why You’ll Appreciate It

• Continuous glucose tracking for better insights
• Comfortable and easy to apply
• Real-time data to help you make informed dietary choices
• No need for constant finger pricks

Smart Investment for Your Health

Investing in the Lingo CGM can save you both time and money. With its extended wear time, you won’t need to constantly buy supplies for finger pricking, allowing you to focus more on your health and less on monitoring.

Current Price: $49.00 (1-pack)

Amazon Rating: 3.0 (Total: 360+)

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There are two differences in the systems, one important, the other more practical:

1. The Lingo does not require you to add an additional sealing patch. You press the device to your arm and it both injects the monitoring needle and applies a clear seal around the device. I spent a few extra minutes looking for the added patch before realizing the Lingo does not have one.
2. I preferred the helpful hints and challenges in the Lingo app over the content in the Stelo. It helped me log and understand how small changes like breathing when stressed or taking a walk after a snack can reduce my glucose spikes. 

  

FAQ

What should I consider when choosing a glucose monitoring system for myself?

When selecting a glucose monitoring system, think about your lifestyle and how often you want to check your glucose levels. If you’re looking for convenience and continuous tracking, a system like the Stelo Glucose Biosensor might be ideal, as it provides real-time data without the need for constant finger pricks. Consider the app’s compatibility with your smartphone, the wear time of the sensors, and whether you prefer a system that offers personalized insights. Also, check if the product is suitable for your specific health needs, especially if you have any underlying conditions.

How do I effectively use the glucose monitoring app to manage my health?

To get the most out of your glucose monitoring app, start by logging your meals and activities consistently. This helps you see how different foods, stress, and exercise affect your glucose levels. Use the insights provided by the app to make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional if you notice patterns that concern you. Remember, while the app offers valuable data, it’s essential to combine this information with your own observations and professional advice for the best results.

What should I do if I experience inaccurate readings from my glucose monitor?

If you find that your glucose monitor is giving inconsistent readings, first ensure that the sensor is properly applied and that your app is up to date. Sometimes, factors like hydration levels, skin conditions, or even the placement of the sensor can affect accuracy. If the problem persists, consider using a traditional blood glucose meter to cross-check the readings. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your readings or if they don’t align with how you feel. They can help you determine the best course of action.

Can I wear my Continuous Glucose Monitor in the hot tub or jacuzzi?

You can wear your sensor in a hot or cold environment (e.g. sauna, ice bath, hot shower, hot yoga) , but there are a couple of things you should take into account when doing this:

• The device is waterproof up to eight feet
• The recommended operating temperature for a CGM is between 50 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Sensor errors may occur if you wear your CGM in temperatures outside of this range, like in a sauna, ice bath, hot tub, hot shower, etc.
• There are known interactions between body temperature and glucose metabolism that could impact your glucose levels while you’re immersed in these  extreme temperatures. If you don’t want the glucose spikes caused by these activities to affect your Metabolic Scores, simply log the activity as an Exercise, and mark it as ‘Strenuous’ 

Can I wear my Stelo or Lingo when going through airport security. 

Yes and no. I went through the metal detector with no problem. However, if you must go through the larger millimeter image scanning machine, you should ask for help from TSA or security. The devices are not meant to go through these machines. From the Dexcom Stelo site: “You can wear your G7 sensor when going through walk-through metal detectors and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners. Or you can ask for hand-wanding or a full-body pat-down and visual inspection. Ask for visual inspection of any part of the G7 in the baggage scanning machine.

Can I wear my CGM when getting a CT scan, radiation therapy, or an x-ray?

The Dexcom Stelo site says to discuss these safeguards with your healthcare provider:

• Cover the sensor with a lead apron.
• Avoid including the sensor in the scanned area during the procedure

Can wearing a Stelo or Lingo biosensor help if I’m taking a GLP-1?

Both of these devices help you see where your glucose numbers are which can help your doctor decide if you should increase or decrease the dosage of GLP-1 treatment. You may also find that being able to see how your glucose changes with certain foods and activities can even help you want to keep up with your new habits.

Wrapping Up

Mastering glucose monitoring is not just about tracking numbers; it’s about understanding your body and making informed choices that benefit your health and well-being. With products like the Dexcom Glucose Biosensor and the Lingo Continuous Glucose Monitor, you can gain valuable insights into how your diet and lifestyle affect your glucose levels. By taking control of your health, you can set a positive example for your family and ensure you are always ready to engage in their lives.

Recommendation

Because I liked the content in the Lingo app and its added “challenges,” I would lean toward the Lingo as the choice if you’re giving this is a try. That said, they are so similar that it’s hard to have a strong recommendation for or against either one.