Abbott that the US Food and Drug Administration has cleared two new over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGM). The Lingo is designed for health-conscious consumers who want to get greater insight into their metabolism. Meanwhile, the Libre Rio is designed for Type 2 diabetics who don’t rely on insulin.
CGMs are small wearable sensors that you typically wear for about 14 days at a time. They don’t actually measure your blood sugar but instead measure glucose in interstitial fluid — the stuff between your cells — just under the skin. Thus far, they’ve generally been used for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who rely on insulin for treatment.
However, there’s been a growing push among medical device makers and health tech startups to see whether the tech can help non-insulin dependent diabetics, people with prediabetes, or people who wish to improve their metabolic health. According to Abbott’s , is meant to be a “consumer wearable” for people 18 years and older. Like Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre CGMs, it’s worn on the upper arm for 14 days and glucose data can be sent to a smartphone app.
In the app, users will be able to view coaching insights into a person’s reactions to certain foods, exercise, and stress. However, as a wellness device, it’s not intended to be used to diagnose any metabolic disorders or inform diabetes treatment. The Libre Rio, however, is aimed at Type 2 diabetics who don’t use insulin and instead manage their condition.