The health tech company Abbott has released the Lingo continuous glucose monitor for regular consumers, allowing them to track their glucose levels with an over-the-counter biosensor that sticks to the back of the arm for up to 14 days. The device streams data to a smartphone app, offering real-time glucose graphs and a Lingo Count feature to track spikes. The app also includes food and activity logging, syncing with Apple Health for workout tracking, and provides tailored recommendations and challenges to promote healthy habits. Each Lingo biosensor costs $49 and is not reusable, with combo packs available for $89 for two sensors and $249 for six. While Abbott’s Lingo device is not the first of its kind on the market, it competes with other similar products like Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor, both priced at $89 for two units working for two weeks. It’s important to note that the usefulness of these glucose monitors for non-diabetics remains uncertain, as there is limited evidence to support their efficacy in optimizing blood sugar levels.
