The health technology company was Abbott for regular consumers. Now we can get our hands on one. The company just released the Lingo continuous glucose monitor.
This is an over-the-counter device, 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 warnings. Rather, it’s for curious people who want to track their glucose levels.
Here’s how it works. The biosensor is attached to the back of the arm and can stay there for up to 14 days. During this time, the device continuously transmits glucose data to the associated smartphone app. This should, in theory, translate to “the body’s response to food, exercise, and the daily stresses of life.”
The app looks particularly powerful, providing access to all sorts of related health metrics. There’s something called Lingo Count that shows real-time updated glucose graphs and data on glucose spikes.
There’s even room for food and activity logs, and the app syncs with Apple Health to automatically track workouts. When the system has enough data, it will make specific recommendations and create challenges to encourage healthy habits.
Each Lingo biosensor costs $49, but they only work for two weeks and are not reusable. The company offers combo packs where you can get two sensors for $89 and six for $249.
Abbott’s Lingo device is not the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor on the market. A company called Dexcom for a similar sensor earlier this year. Company’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor each running for two weeks.
It should be noted that there is little evidence to prove the existence of this species a glucose monitor is really helpful. Beyond that, there isn’t much to suggest it’s even a meaningful way “optimize” blood sugar.
