So You've Purchased a Stelo Continuous Glucose Monitor. How Do you set it up?

by Daniel Soule March 18, 2025

Setting Up and Integrating the SteLo Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

Using a CGM like SteLo can provide valuable real-time data for managing insulin resistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up and integrate it into your daily routine:

1. Applying the SteLo CGM

Prepare the site: The sensor is usually applied to the back of your upper arm or abdomen. Clean the site with an alcohol wipe to ensure it's free from oils and dirt.
Insert the sensor: The SteLo CGM typically comes with an applicator that makes inserting the sensor easy and painless. The sensor has a small filament that stays under your skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid.
Activate the sensor: Once inserted, you’ll need to use the associated smartphone app to activate the sensor. Follow the app’s instructions to pair the sensor with your phone.

2. Using the SteLo App

Install the app: Download the SteLo CGM app (available on iOS and Android). This app will sync with the sensor and display your glucose readings.
Customize your profile: Enter your personal details such as weight, age, and health goals. This helps the app provide more tailored insights.
Set glucose targets: Define your ideal blood sugar range based on your doctor’s recommendations. The app will notify you if your glucose falls outside of this range.

3. Understanding the Data

Real-time glucose readings: The app will display your current glucose levels and whether they are rising or falling. It updates every few minutes, giving you a dynamic view of your blood sugar.
Trend graphs: The app also provides graphs showing glucose trends throughout the day, so you can identify patterns in how your blood sugar behaves.
Notifications and alerts: You can customize alerts for when your blood sugar rises too high (hyperglycemia) or drops too low (hypoglycemia). This helps you take immediate action if needed.

4. Tracking Your Habits

Log your meals: Enter your meals into the app to see how different foods affect your glucose levels. Over time, you’ll learn which foods cause spikes and which help keep your blood sugar stable.
Track exercise: Use the app to log workouts or sync it with your fitness tracker. The app will show how physical activity impacts your glucose levels, both immediately and over the long term.
Monitor stress and sleep: You can note periods of stress or poor sleep, and compare these with your glucose trends. Stress and sleep quality are often overlooked factors that can significantly impact insulin resistance.

5. Fine-Tuning Your Routine with SteLo

Meal adjustments: With CGM data, you can adjust your meals to avoid sharp blood sugar spikes. You may find that certain foods or meal combinations affect you differently than expected.
Exercise timing: CGMs can show how exercise affects glucose, helping you optimize the timing of physical activity. For example, light activity after meals can help reduce post-meal glucose spikes.
Stress management: If you notice blood sugar spikes during stressful periods, you can incorporate stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or breathing exercises to help manage those levels.
Sleep improvements: CGM data might show a correlation between poor sleep and high glucose levels the next day. Improving your sleep quality can help with better glucose control.

6. Sharing Data with Your Doctor

Export your data: The SteLo app typically allows you to export glucose data as a report. You can share this information with your healthcare provider to get better guidance on managing insulin resistance.
Adjust medications: Based on your CGM data, your doctor may recommend adjusting medications, such as insulin or metformin, to better manage your blood sugar levels.

7. Optimizing Long-Term Use

Regularly rotate sensor sites: To avoid skin irritation, rotate the location of your CGM sensor with each new application.
Consistency is key: For the best results, wear the CGM consistently and review your data regularly. Over time, you’ll gather valuable insights into how your lifestyle choices affect your blood sugar.

Summary of Key Actions:

Monitor meals: Log how different foods impact your blood sugar and adjust your diet accordingly.
Exercise regularly: Use the data to see how physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and glucose levels.
Reduce stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques if you notice glucose spikes during stressful periods.
Improve sleep: Aim for consistent, high-quality sleep to help keep glucose levels in check.

By consistently using the SteLo CGM and pairing it with a healthy lifestyle, you’ll have a powerful tool to help manage insulin resistance, keep your blood sugar in check, and reduce the risk of complications like type 2 diabetes.