Breaking down the Lingo biosensor: Wearing, applying and removing the biosensor

The Lingo biosensor is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that measures your glucose levels through a tiny filament inserted underneath your skin. 

If you’ve never worn a CGM before, it may sound a lot more complex than wearing a smart watch or fitness tracker. So, we’re here to break down what a Lingo biosensor does and what it feels like to use. 

How does the Lingo biosensor work? 

A Lingo biosensor is a small circular device that attaches to your arm with an adhesive. It’s about the size of a coin and its housing is discreet, meaning that you might not even notice it’s there. 

The biosensor works by continuously measuring the glucose levels in your interstitial fluid. This is the thin layer of fluid surrounding your body’s cells that helps bring them oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products. 

The measuring is done by a tiny, flexible filament that’s the width of three human hairs. Once you apply your biosensor with the included applicator, it consistently monitors the levels of glucose in the interstitial fluid and relays the data to your smartphone via the biosensor’s transmitter. 

As the data streams to your phone by Bluetooth® every minute, you won’t need to physically connect the biosensor to another device to check your glucose levels in real time, nor will you need to manually scan the biosensor to get a reading. 

The Lingo biosensor is powered by a non-removable silver oxide battery, meaning that you won’t ever need to charge it. It’s designed to transmit glucose data for up to 14 days*, after which it will stop. You’ll then need to remove the biosensor and begin using a new one. 

How does a Lingo biosensor differ from finger prick testing? 

The Lingo biosensor continuously measures the glucose levels in your interstitial fluid 24/7, allowing you to see how your glucose levels change over time while wearing the biosensor. Data streams to your phone every minute so it can take a few seconds (or sometimes slightly longer) for a result to appear. 

A finger prick blood test measures the levels of glucose in your blood rather than your interstitial fluid. It provides a reading immediately, showing your glucose levels at a single moment. 

Applying the Lingo biosensor 

You can apply the Lingo biosensor yourself from the comfort of your own home. There’s no need for a healthcare professional to do it for you, and the whole process can take less than a minute. 

First, choose a spot on the back of your upper arm to apply Lingo. Either arm will work, though you may decide to choose the arm you use less in everyday activities to avoid potentially knocking off the biosensor early. Wash this area with non-moisturizing, fragrance-free soap, and then use an alcohol wipe to clean away any residue. 

Let the area dry in the air. Once it’s fully dry, you can apply your biosensor.  

Your biosensor will come with an applicator, which you will use to attach it to your arm. You’ll place the applicator on your arm and push down until you hear a click, then pull the applicator away.  

The biosensor adheres to your skin with medical-grade adhesive that should keep the biosensor in place. Make sure that the biosensor is flush to your skin and then you’re ready to pair it with your phone. 

To pair, all you need to do is open the Lingo app on your phone and then hold your phone against the biosensor until you receive a notification that the pairing is complete. You’ll only need to do this once for each biosensor you use. 

If your biosensor falls off or stops working before you’ve used it for 14 days, we’ll replace it for free. You can request a replacement biosensor from our customer support team via email or phone: 

• Email: lingosupport-us@hellolingo.com  
• Phone: 1-888-764-7684 (available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, 7 days a week) 

Is Lingo painful to wear?

While the process of inserting a filament beneath your skin might sound uncomfortable, the majority of people using a CGM made by Abbott say that applying a biosensor is painless. In a study involving 119 users, 91% agreed that it was painless to apply the CGM.¹  

What the Lingo biosensor can withstand 

Your Lingo biosensor can work in a variety of different environments. Here’s what you need to know about where your biosensor can operate: 

• In water: Your biosensor is water-resistant, so you’ll be able to wear it while showering, bathing, or swimming. It can withstand depths of 3 feet for up to 30 minutes. 
• In high and low temperatures: Your biosensor has an operating temperature range of 50°F to 113°F. It may not transmit data outside of this range but should start working again within 15 minutes of returning to this range and will load any missing data. 
• While flying: Your biosensor has an operating altitude of -1,250 feet to 10,000 feet. If you have to turn off Bluetooth® or your phone during a flight, the biosensor will store your data and transmit it once Bluetooth® is turned back on. 

Removing your Lingo biosensor 

When the time comes to remove your Lingo biosensor, you can also do this yourself at home instead of requiring help from a healthcare professional. 

Gently lift and peel away one side of the biosensor from your skin. You may still feel a firm grip, but a slow and steady pull should do the trick. Then pull away the other side, and the biosensor will be removed. 

If the adhesive leaves any residue on your skin, you can remove it using warm soapy water or isopropyl alcohol. 

Dispose of your biosensor in accordance with all applicable local regulations related to the disposal of electronic equipment, batteries, sharps, and materials potentially exposed to body fluids.   

A final note from Lingo 

The Lingo biosensor measures your glucose response to food, exercise, and other lifestyle factors, then streams the data directly to your phone, 24/7. 

Seeing the impact of these habits on your glucose can help you make changes that support your health goals. 

The biosensor works for up to 14 days, is water-resistant, doesn’t require charging, and is something that you can apply and take off yourself without needing to see a healthcare professional. With Lingo, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your health and well-being. 

^{* A study was conducted to assess the biosensor life where 77.1% of biosensors lasted the full 14 days. In other words, when using the product per the package labeling, approximately 22.9% of biosensors may not last for the full 14 days. 14.7% of biosensors may last less than 11 days.} 

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