Walmart Brings Continuous Glucose Monitoring to US Store Shelves

Original Article: https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/walmart-be-first-us-retailer-sell-abbotts-continuous-glucose-2025a1000sj0

Overview

Walmart will become the first brick‑and‑mortar U.S. retailer to offer an over‑the‑counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM), the Lingo from Abbott Diabetes Care, in its physical stores and online. 

What’s New

Previously available only via HelloLingo.com and Amazon, the Lingo CGM will roll out to more than 3,500 Walmart locations across the U.S. It includes a small patch‑type sensor worn under the skin and an app that tracks glucose readings every few minutes. A two‑week pack is priced at $48.97 at Walmart.

Why It Matters

This move marks a significant shift in making CGM technology—once largely reserved for people with diabetes who take insulin—accessible to the general public for broader metabolic health tracking. It reflects growing consumer interest in non‑invasive monitoring and broader health‑tech adoption. 

Implications

With broader retail availability, more individuals (including those with pre‑diabetes or metabolic concerns) will have access to real‑time glucose feedback. This may encourage earlier lifestyle interventions and more personalized health insights outside traditional clinical settings.

Obstacles & Considerations

While cost and convenience are improved, important questions remain: Will insurance cover such devices for consumers without diabetes? How will users interpret and act upon continuous glucose data? And will real‑world use translate into measurable health benefits?