This marks the first availability for the over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM) at a brick-and-morter retailer. It brings the Lingo device to more than 3,500 Walmart Supercenter locations (in their health and wellness sections) in the U.S. and online. The company previously made Lingo available for purchase through Amazon as its first retail agreement for the device.
“We’re excited to be the first retailer to offer Lingo in-store and online,” said Brad Bedwell, VP, merchandising, OTC Health and Wellness, Walmart. “Our customers are looking for innovative ways to improve their health, and Lingo delivers exactly that. This launch reflects our commitment to expanding access to wellness technology that help people take control of their everyday health.”
Lingo features a biosensor and mobile app designed for customers who want to improve their overall health and wellness. The company built Lingo on its FreeStyle Libre CGM technology platform. The consumer biowearable is available for consumers 18 years and older not on insulin. It tracks glucose in real time and provides personal insights and coaching. The company designed it to help people build healthy habits, retain their metabolism and improve their overall wellbeing.
Abbott — one of the largest diabetes tech companies in the world — received FDA clearance for Lingo and its Libre Rio OTC CGMs in June 2024. Abbott EVP of Diabetes Care, Chris Scoggins, explained the benefits of OTC CGMs and other offerings earlier this year.
Read more about Abbott and the rest of the diabetes tech industry in our free Diabetes Technology Special Report.
Lingo is one of two OTC CGMs on the market, with Dexcom’s Stelo also an option for those seeking to monitor glucose levels.
Abbott says Lingo’s new availability at Walmart can help break traditional barriers to health technology and expand accessibility. Its real-time insights can help people make more informed decisions about nutrition, sleep and activity through glucose analysis.
Lingo represents part of the CGM business currently providing a significant boost to overall sales, as CEO Robert B. Ford outlined in the company’s most recent earnings call.
“Making Lingo available at Walmart is a meaningful step toward expanding access to real-time health insights,” said Olivier Ropars, divisional VP of Abbott’s Lingo business. “We’re empowering people to better understand how their bodies respond to everyday choices like food, movement, and sleep—all without a prescription, and from their local Walmart.”
