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CGM · No Prescription Required

📈 Hume (Formerly Stelo / Dexcom OTC):
First OTC CGM for Wellness

The first FDA-cleared continuous glucose monitor for non-diabetic wellness use — no prescription required in the US. 15-day sensor life, Bluetooth direct-to-phone, real-time glucose readings every 5 minutes. Best for: metabolic health optimization without a doctor's visit.

🔬 Full review publishing Q3 2025 — specifications and key facts available now
View on Dexcom / Hume →

Key Specifications

Price~$99/month (2 sensors)
BatterySensor: 15 days
SubscriptionSensor subscription
SensorsElectrochemical glucose biosensor (interstitial fluid)
Sleep TrackingN/A (glucose monitoring)
HRVN/A
ValidationFDA cleared; Dexcom G7 platform validation

Full Review Coming Q3 2025

What Our Review Will Cover

Our in-depth review of the Hume (Formerly Stelo / Dexcom OTC) will include analysis of every dimension below — based on published validation studies, not marketing materials.

Sleep Staging Accuracy PSG validation analysis — what the peer-reviewed studies actually show for light, deep, and REM detection
HRV Measurement Quality Comparison vs. ECG gold standard; RMSSD methodology; day-to-day consistency analysis
Sensor Technology PPG configuration, sampling frequency, motion artifact handling, and signal quality assessment
App & Insights Quality Algorithmic transparency, insight actionability, UI/UX, and whether the scoring helps behavior change
Real-World Accuracy Tested against reference devices in real sleep and exercise conditions — not lab-only results
Value for Longevity Goals Whether the data this device provides meaningfully supports longevity-focused lifestyle decisions
Who Should Buy It Specific use cases where this device outperforms alternatives — and where it falls short
Honest Limitations What the Dexcom / Hume marketing doesn't tell you — evidence gaps, measurement limitations, subscription value

Be notified when this review publishes

Preliminary Assessment

What We Know So Far

Based on published validation studies and technical specifications — our preliminary position before completing the full hands-on review.

✓ Likely Strengths

  • No prescription required — FDA cleared for OTC wellness use
  • 15-day continuous glucose reading with minimal setup
  • Most accessible CGM for non-diabetic metabolic health monitoring

✗ Likely Limitations

  • Shows 5-minute average glucose only — no real-time feed
  • No meal logging integration (vs. Levels Health platform)
  • Subscription model required; not a one-time purchase

Common Questions

FAQ

Is the Hume (Formerly Stelo / Dexcom OTC) accurate for sleep tracking?

The Hume platform is built on Dexcom G7/Stelo biosensor technology, which has extensive clinical validation for diabetic glucose management. For non-diabetic wellness ranges, accuracy is slightly lower than in diabetic ranges but still clinically useful for trend tracking. The sensor measures interstitial fluid glucose, which lags blood glucose by ~10–15 minutes.

Is the Hume (Formerly Stelo / Dexcom OTC) worth the price?

At ~$99/month for 2 sensors, Hume is the lowest-cost CGM for non-diabetic use. The OTC availability removes the prescription barrier. Whether it's worth the cost depends on what you'll do with glucose data — a 2-month trial to identify problematic foods is reasonable; indefinite monitoring is expensive for most.

Who should buy the Hume (Formerly Stelo / Dexcom OTC)?

Best for: anyone curious about their glucose response to foods without a doctor's visit; people managing pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome; users who've heard about CGMs and want to try without the Levels Health price tag. Not ideal for: users who want detailed food logging and coaching (see Levels Health).