Signos alternative: weight and blood sugar coaching without a sensor
Signos is a CGM-based weight-loss program: every plan includes Dexcom Stelo sensors, costs $169–$299 a month depending on commitment, and there's no app-only option. If you'd rather not wear a sensor, Helsa coaches you from your meals, sleep, stress, activity and lab results, is free to start, and runs on iPhone and Android.
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Disclosure: Helsa is our product. We aim to be fair: every fact about another app links to the public source we checked, and we point out where other apps are the better fit.
Helsa vs Signos at a glance
| Feature | Helsa | Signos |
|---|---|---|
| CGM required | No — works from logged meals and habits, plus Apple Health data | Yes — Dexcom Stelo sensors are included in every plan; no bring-your-own-CGM or app-only option |
| Price | Free tier; Premium subscription unlocks all features (US App Store lists $12.99/month or $79.99/year; 7-day free trial on yearly) | $169–$299/month depending on a 6-, 3- or 1-month plan, sensors included |
| Platforms | iOS and Android | iOS and Android, plus Apple Watch |
| AI coach | Yes — AI coach chat that knows your medication, dose and how you've been feeling | Registered dietitians via email and in-app chat |
| Meal logging | Photo, barcode or voice, with calories, protein and fiber, a meal score and the meal's likely blood sugar impact | Photo, barcode or typed entry, showing how the meal affects your glucose |
| Blood markers / labs | Yes — analyzes lab results such as A1C, cholesterol and triglycerides | Not verified |
| Sleep & stress | Yes — tracks sleep and stress; syncs with Apple Health | Yes — stress and sleep tracking |
| Insurance / HSA | Self-pay in-app subscription through Apple or Google | Not covered by insurance; HSA/FSA reimbursement may be possible depending on your provider |
“Not verified” means we couldn’t confirm it from a public source, so we left it out rather than guess.
Who should choose which?
Choose Helsa if…
- You don't want to wear, or keep buying, glucose sensors
- You want to try the app for free before paying anything
- You want an AI coach you can chat with about meals and lab results
Choose Signos if…
- You want to see your real glucose response to meals on an FDA-cleared system
- You want registered dietitian support included in your plan
- You already take a GLP-1 and want dose tracking alongside glucose data
Pros and cons
Helsa
GLP-1 companion app: AI meal logging with calories, protein and fiber, a daily protein target, dose and side-effect tracking, and an AI coach that knows your medication; works without a CGM.
Pros
- Food-first: logs calories, protein and fiber from a photo, a barcode or what you say
- Daily protein target from your weight: 1.2 g per kg, within 80–120 g a day
- Logs GLP-1 doses with dose-day reminders and injection-site rotation, plus a side-effect log
- No CGM or wearable needed to get started
Cons
- Doesn't measure glucose itself — a meal's blood sugar impact is estimated from what you log, so it's less precise than real CGM readings
- A Premium subscription is required to unlock all features
- For tracking and education only — no medical advice, and it never recommends dose changes
Signos
Weight-loss program built around continuous glucose monitoring; every plan includes Dexcom Stelo sensors and the Signos app.
Pros
- FDA-cleared (510(k)) over-the-counter glucose monitoring system
- Registered dietitian support included in the subscription
- Shows glucose on Apple Watch
- GLP-1 dose tracking for members already taking a GLP-1
Cons
- All sales final — no refunds or exchanges
- About 20% of Stelo sensors may not last the full 15 days
- For adults 18+ who are not on insulin
- US only
Frequently asked questions
Can you use Signos without a CGM?
No. Signos says all of its plans include the Stelo biosensor and that it doesn't offer a bring-your-own-CGM option or a software-only subscription.
How much does Signos cost?
Signos lists its 6-month plan at $169 a month, its 3-month plan at $199 a month and its 1-month plan at $299 a month, with sensors included. It says it isn't covered by insurance, though some members may be able to use HSA or FSA funds.
Is Signos FDA-cleared?
Yes. The FDA cleared the Signos Glucose Monitoring System for over-the-counter use through a 510(k) (K250106). Helsa is an informational wellness app, not a medical device.
How does Helsa help with weight loss without glucose data?
Helsa tracks diet, activity, sleep, stress and body composition, analyzes lab markers like A1C and triglycerides, and its AI coach suggests small daily changes. It can't show your real-time glucose curve; if you want that, a CGM program like Signos is the better fit.
Is a CGM more accurate than an app without one?
Yes. A CGM measures your glucose directly, so it will always be more precise than insights based on meal logs and lab results. The trade-off is ongoing sensor cost and wear: Signos notes that about 20% of Stelo sensors may not last the full 15 days.
Sources
Prices and features change. We checked each source on the date shown; please confirm current details on the company’s own site.
- apps.apple.com/us/app/helsa-blood-sugar-coach/id6736939841 — checked
- play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=helsa.health — checked
- signos.com/faqs — checked
- support.signos.com/hc/en-us/articles/17329490058004-How-do-I-contact-a-Nutritionist — checked
- signos.com/plans — checked
- accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm?ID=K250106 — checked
- support.signos.com/hc/en-us/articles/53558650847380-The-Signos-Essentials-Plan — checked
- signos.com/how-it-works — checked