Healthcare technology company Abbott has been serving everyday consumers. Now, we can get one. The company just launched the Lingo continuous glucose monitor.
This device is sold over the counter, so you can order it without prior authorization. However, it is not intended for diabetics, as it is not designed for insulin pumps or serious medical alerts. Rather, it is intended for curious people who want to monitor their glucose levels.
Here's how it works. The biosensor attaches to the back of the arm and can remain there for up to 14 days at a time. During that time, the device continuously transmits glucose data to the associated smartphone app. This should, in theory, translate the body's “reaction to food, exercise and the stressors of daily life.”
![The application in action.](https://technicalterrence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Abbotts-OTC-glucose-monitor-is-now-available-in-the-US.png)
The app seems particularly robust, providing access to all sorts of health-related metrics. There are glucose graphs that update in real time and something called Lingo Count, which displays data related to glucose spikes.
There's even a place to log food and activity, and the app syncs with Apple Health to automatically track workouts. Once there's enough data in the system, it'll provide personalized recommendations and create challenges to encourage healthy habits.
Each Lingo biosensor costs $49, but it only works for two weeks and is not reusable. The company offers combo packs, with two sensors available for $89 and six for $249.
Abbott's Lingo device isn't the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor on the market. One company tapped Dexcom for a similar sensor earlier this year. The company's Stelo glucose biosensor each working for two weeks.
It is worth noting that there is little evidence to suggest that this type of The glucose monitor is really usefulFurthermore, there is not much to suggest that there is any meaningful way to… “optimize” blood sugar.