Compare continuous glucose monitors for weight loss, metabolic health optimization, and performance. Detailed comparison of pricing, sensor technology, app features, and coaching support for non-diabetics.
Complete cost breakdown including upfront fees, ongoing costs, and effective monthly rates. All services are HSA/FSA eligible. Updated Nov 2025
| Provider | Initial Cost | Monthly Cost | Effective $/mo* | Sensors | Commitment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $139/mo | $139/mo | Yes (2/month) | 3 months | Weight loss | |
Nutrisense
| $0 | $179/mo | $179/mo | Yes (2/month) | 1 month | Beginners wanting guidance |
| $499 | $200/mo | $242/mo | No (buy separately) | Annual membership | Data-driven optimizers | |
| $99 | $89/mo | $97/mo | Yes (2/month) | None | OTC simplicity | |
| $0 | $49/mo | $49/mo | Yes (2/month) | None | Budget-conscious | |
| $294 | $29/mo | $54/mo | No (gut test only) | 4 months | Gut health + nutrition | |
| $0 | $239/mo | $239/mo | Yes (M1 CGM) | None | Athletes and biohackers |
*Effective monthly cost=(Initial cost + 12 months of ongoing costs) ÷ 12. Includes sensor costs where applicable.
CGM accuracy, reading frequency, and sensor specifications. MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference) measures accuracy—lower is better.
| Provider | Sensor Type | Accuracy (MARD) | Reading Freq. | Warm-up | Wear Time | Water Resist. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexcom Stelo | 8.3% | Every 5 min | 30 min | 15 days | 8ft/24hr | |
| Nutrisense
| Dexcom Stelo | 8.3% | Every 5 min | 30 min | 15 days | 8ft/24hr |
| Dexcom G7 or Libre 3 | 7.9-9.0% | Varies by sensor | Varies | 10-14 days | Varies | |
| Dexcom Stelo | 8.3% | Every 5 min | 30 min | 15 days | 8ft/24hr | |
| Freestyle Libre | 9.3% | Every 1 min | 60 min | 14 days | 3ft/30min | |
| N/A - no CGM | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Ultrahuman M1 | N/A | Every 1 min | N/A | 15 days | N/A |
Dexcom sensors offer faster warm-up (30 min vs 60 min) and better water resistance. Libre sensors provide more frequent readings (every 1 min vs 5 min).
Compare coaching options, food logging capabilities, scoring systems, and app integrations.
| Provider | Coaching Type | Food Logging | Scoring System | App Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI coaching | Photo + manual logging | Weight loss score + meal scores | Apple Health, Apple Watch | |
| Nutrisense
| ✓ 1:1 Dietitian | Photo + manual + MyFitnessPal sync | Glucose score + stability score | Apple Health, Fitbit, Oura, Google Fit, Garmin |
| App-based insights | Manual logging | Zone score (1-10) + metabolic health reports | Apple Health, Apple Watch | |
| App insights only | Manual logging | Time in range only | Apple Health | |
| App coaching | Manual logging | Lingo score | None (no Apple Health export) | |
| Personalized nutrition AI | Photo + manual + barcode scanning | ZOE score (0-100) per food | Apple Health | |
| App insights | Manual logging | M1 Metabolic Score | Apple Health, Oura, Garmin, Whoop |
Nutrisense is the only service with included 1:1 registered dietitian video calls. Lingo notably lacks Apple Health export.
In-depth look at each CGM service including features, pricing tiers, and who it's best for.
Real-time glucose tracking, AI meal insights, exercise recommendations, weight loss tools, GLP-1 integration support
FDA-cleared for weight management (Aug 2025). Uses Dexcom Stelo sensors. 3-month ($139/mo) or 6-month ($129/mo) plans.
Real-time tracking, meal logging, personalized insights, sleep correlation, stress tracking, learning programs
From $179/mo with dietitian support. Also offers $39/mo bring-your-own-sensor option. Insurance-covered video calls (95% pay $0).
Metabolic scoring, zone system (1-10), meal ratings, daily reports, pattern analysis
Starting at $499/year membership. Sensors $200/mo (3 Dexcom G7). Classic/Core/Complete tiers. TIME Best Inventions.
24/7 tracking, trend alerts, glucose patterns, simple interface
$99 starter kit + $89/mo subscription. First OTC CGM (March 2024). Available direct and Amazon.
Real-time insights, food logging, personalized recommendations, metabolic health tips
OTC. $49/sensor or $89 for 2-pack. No prescription needed. Most affordable entry point.
Gut microbiome analysis, blood fat testing, AI meal recommendations, food scoring
US:$294 test kit (gut + blood) + $29-39/mo. Sept 2025 update:simplified test no longer includes CGM. UK-based.
Metabolic score, sleep correlation, workout optimization, fasting insights, glucose zones
M1 CGM:$239/mo (2 sensors) or $1919/yr. Free app works with Libre sensors (~$75/mo). Ring Air ($349) adds HRV/sleep.
Total yearly costs for continuous CGM monitoring, including sensors and subscriptions.
| Provider | Monthly | 6 Months | 12 Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signos | $139 | $774 | $1,548 | 6-mo plan:$129/mo ($774) |
| Nutrisense | $225 | $894 | $1,788 | 6-mo plan:$149/mo ($894) |
| Levels | ~$150* | ~$1,000* | ~$2,000* | $199/yr + sensors separate |
| Dexcom Stelo | $89 | $534 | $1,068 | OTC, no coaching |
| Abbott Lingo | $49 | $294 | $588 | Most affordable OTC |
| January AI | $28* | $428 | $624 | $288 first mo, then $28/mo |
| Zoe | $34* | ~$500 | ~$700 | $294-474 kit + subscription |
| Ultrahuman | $0* | ~$600* | ~$1,200* | Free app, BYO Libre sensors |
*Estimated costs. Levels and Ultrahuman require purchasing sensors separately (~$100-150/mo for continuous monitoring).
Continuous glucose monitors were developed for diabetes management but are now widely used by non-diabetics for metabolic optimization, weight management, and athletic performance.
CGMs help identify which foods spike your blood sugar, enabling dietary changes that support weight loss without medication. Many use CGM alongside or after GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.
Track glucose patterns to identify prediabetes risk, optimize meal timing, and improve metabolic flexibility. Ideal for longevity-focused health optimizers.
Optimize pre-workout fueling, monitor glucose during training, and improve recovery nutrition. See real-time impact of exercise on blood sugar.
Understanding CGM technology and what the data means for your health.
A CGM consists of a small sensor worn on the back of your upper arm. A tiny filament sits just under the skin and measures interstitial glucose levels (the fluid between cells) every 1-5 minutes.
The sensor transmits readings wirelessly via Bluetooth to your smartphone app, giving you real-time visibility into how your body processes food.
Dexcom sensors (used by Signos, Stelo, Levels) offer faster 30-minute warm-up and better water resistance (8ft/24hr), with readings every 5 minutes.
Freestyle Libre sensors (used by Nutrisense, Lingo, Zoe, Ultrahuman) provide readings every minute with 60-minute warm-up and 14-day wear time.
CGM reveals how your body uniquely responds to different foods, exercise, stress, and sleep. Many people discover that foods they thought were healthy actually spike their blood sugar.
This personalized data helps you make evidence-based dietary choices that work for your specific metabolism.
Not for most options. Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo are available over-the-counter without a prescription. Services like Signos, Nutrisense, and Levels include telehealth consultations that provide any needed prescriptions as part of the membership.
Yes! CGMs are increasingly popular among non-diabetics for metabolic health optimization, weight management, and athletic performance. The FDA cleared Signos specifically for weight management in August 2025, establishing CGM as a legitimate tool for non-diabetic use.
Both Dexcom and Freestyle Libre sensors are highly accurate with MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference) values around 8-9%. Clinical studies show slight variations, but for wellness purposes both provide reliable data. The key difference is reading frequency and warm-up time.
Most insurance plans only cover CGM for diabetics. However, all CGM services are HSA/FSA eligible, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars. Some services like Nutrisense report that insurance may cover the sensors for certain conditions.
Dexcom sensors (Signos, Stelo) last 10-15 days. Freestyle Libre sensors (Nutrisense, Lingo, Ultrahuman) last 14 days. You'll typically need 2 sensors per month for continuous monitoring.
Yes. Dexcom sensors are waterproof to 8 feet for 24 hours. Libre sensors are water-resistant to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Both are fine for showers;Dexcom is better for swimming.
A1c measures your average blood sugar over 2-3 months but doesn't show daily patterns or spikes. CGM provides real-time, continuous data showing exactly how your glucose responds to meals, exercise, and sleep. Many health optimizers use both:CGM for daily insights and periodic A1c testing to confirm long-term improvements.
Yes. Many people use CGM alongside GLP-1 medications to track their metabolic response and optimize food choices. CGM is also valuable after discontinuing GLP-1s to maintain healthy glucose patterns through diet and lifestyle changes.
Signos is the only CGM FDA-cleared specifically for weight management. It uses AI to provide personalized recommendations based on your glucose patterns. Nutrisense is also excellent for weight loss due to its included 1:1 dietitian support.
Abbott Lingo at $49/sensor is the most affordable entry point—no prescription, no subscription required. For ongoing use, Ultrahuman's free app with your own Libre sensors (~$100-150/mo for sensors) or January AI ($28/mo after initial calibration) are the most cost-effective options.
Get a complete picture of your metabolic health by combining CGM data with comprehensive blood biomarker testing.
Compare Blood Test ServicesThis comparison is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. CGM is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace medical testing for diabetes. Prices are based on November 2025 data and may vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making decisions about health monitoring.
