Can You Get a Continuous Glucose Monitor Without a Prescription in 2025? Here’s What to Know
If you’re researching continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), you may be wondering: Do I need a prescription, or can I get one over the counter? Well, in 2025, the answer is a little bit of both.
The FDA has given the green light for some CGMs to be sold over-the-counter (OTC), which is a great leap towards making them more accessible. However, for those managing diabetes, especially if you’re on insulin, prescription CGMs are still considered the gold standard when it comes to safety, accuracy, and insurance coverage.As a reliable provider of prescription diabetic supplies in New York, CityDME is here to help you wade through the differences and figure out which CGM is the best fit for you or someone you care about.
What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?
A continuous glucose monitor is a small device you can wear that keeps an eye on your glucose (blood sugar) levels around the clock. Instead of the usual fingerstick meters that provide a single snapshot, CGMs use a tiny sensor placed just under your skin to check glucose levels in the interstitial fluid continually. It sends real-time updates to a receiver, smartphone, or watch, so you can keep track of your numbers day and night.
Benefits of CGMs:
- Fewer finger pricks
- Real-time alerts for highs or lows
- Clear visibility of how meals, activity, and sleep impact glucose
- Better long-term control and trend tracking
What’s New in 2025: Are Over-the-Counter CGMs Available?
Yes – in 2024, the FDA gave the green light to the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for use in the U.S. Here are some examples of continuous glucose monitors available without a prescription (directly from the manufacturer):
- Dexcom Stelo: This one’s tailored for adults who aren’t using insulin, including those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Just a heads up, it doesn’t provide alerts for high or low glucose levels!
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Abbott Lingo: This device is marketed as a general wellness tool and isn’t designed for diabetes management. It is not FDA-cleared for people with diabetes.
These devices are ideal for folks who want to keep an eye on their glucose for wellness reasons or those who want to try out CGMs before diving into a full medical-grade system. However, they are not suitable for everyone, especially not for individuals with type 1 diabetes or those with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes.
Shop Insurance Eligible CGMs Here
Can I Use an OTC CGM for Diabetes Management?
It depends.
While OTC CGMs offer insights into your glucose trends, they lack some critical safety features that many people need, like real-time alerts for dangerously high or low levels, or the ability to connect with insulin pumps.
OTC CGMs are NOT Recommended For:
- People on insulin therapy
- Kids and teens under 18
- Those with a history of hypoglycemia or other medical issues
- Anyone managing gestational diabetes
If you fall into any of those categories, it’s best to go for a CGM available with a prescription, such as the Dexcom G7 or the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus, as they offer a safer and more reliable option.
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Why Prescription CGMs Are Still the Best Choice
Prescription CGMs are designed with advanced features that support better diabetes management. If you’re on the hunt for a reliable tool to manage your health day to day, these models offer major advantages over OTC options.
Benefits of Prescription CGMs from CityDME:
- Real-time alerts for high/low glucose
- Integration with insulin pumps
- Coverage by most insurance plans
- FDA-approved for children and adults
- Streamlined support through CityDME’s Patient Form and customer care team
Prescription CGMs are medical-grade tools designed for people who truly need reliable, accurate, and actionable glucose data.
How to Get a Prescription CGM Through CityDME
Whether you’ve just received a diabetes diagnosis or you’re ready to enhance your diabetes management, getting a prescription for a continuous glucose monitor doesn’t have to be a hassle. At CityDME, we streamline the entire process, making it quick and easy, so you can concentrate on your health instead of getting bogged down by paperwork.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether a CGM is right for you.
- Complete our Patient Intake Form – CityDME can work with your doctor and insurance.
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We handle the paperwork and get your device shipped as soon as the prescription is confirmed.
We proudly serve customers throughout New York and are known for fast, stress-free service and same- or next-day shipping. Let CityDME take care of the details so you can get your CGM quickly!
Complete the Patient Intake Form
Are You a Healthcare Provider?
We’ll work directly with your office to ensure your patient receives the right CGM with full support and insurance coordination.
FAQs About Getting a CGM Without a Prescription
Are OTC CGMs safe?
Yes, for select groups. OTC CGMs are FDA-cleared for adults not on insulin. They’re not suitable for those with type 1 diabetes or insulin use.
Does CityDME carry OTC CGMs?
No. We specialize in prescription CGMs that offer greater clinical benefits and are often covered by insurance.
How can I qualify for a prescription CGM?
Most people with diabetes (type 1, type 2 on insulin, or gestational) qualify. Ask your provider, or contact CityDME for support.
Can I switch from an OTC to a prescription CGM later?
Yes. Many people use OTC devices to explore glucose tracking, then transition to prescription CGMs for more robust features and insurance support.
What to Ask Your Doctor About CGMs
Not sure what to discuss with your provider? Here are some key questions:
- Am I a good candidate for a CGM?
- Will a CGM help me better manage my type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
- Which CGM model fits my lifestyle best?
- Will insurance cover my CGM? What documents are needed?
- Can I use a CGM alongside my insulin pump or other devices?
Write these down and bring them with you to your appointment.
You've Got This!
While it’s exciting that CGMs are becoming more accessible, prescription CGMs remain the safest, most effective option for people with diabetes, especially those using insulin.
At CityDME, we’re all about empowering you with the best technology for your long-term health. That’s why we provide FDA-cleared, prescription-only CGMs that come with real-time alerts, dependable data, and seamless support. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the insurance process and help you find the perfect device for your needs.
