Managing a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure involves a constant stream of devices, supplies, refills, and readings, often with little feedback on what the numbers mean. The Livongo platform addresses this by connecting a blood glucose meter, test strips, a blood pressure monitor, and a scale to a cloud system and a team of certified coaches. Each reading is automatically uploaded, analyzed, and met with personalized guidance.
This guide covers every component of the Livongo diabetes platform: what each device does, how the system works, where to get supplies, and what to expect from the program.
At a Glance: The Livongo Platform
| Topic | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| What it is | A connected chronic condition management platform combining smart devices, cloud data processing, and certified health coaching |
| Devices included | Blood glucose meter, blood pressure monitor, smart scale (by program) |
| Supplies | Unlimited test strips and lancets for eligible diabetes program members |
| Cost to member | No out-of-pocket cost for eligible employer or health plan members |
| Parent company | Teladoc Health (acquired Livongo in 2020) |
| Who qualifies | People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or qualifying weight conditions, through an eligible employer or health plan |
| Customer service | 1-800-945-4355, available 24/7 |
| Official site | livongo.com |
Section 1: What Is Livongo?
Livongo is a digital health management platform for people living with chronic conditions, primarily diabetes, hypertension, and weight-related health risks. The platform combines connected medical devices, cloud-based data analysis, and access to certified diabetes educators (CDEs) and health coaches.
Founded in 2014, Livongo was acquired by Teladoc Health in 2020, per Teladoc Health investor relations. The Livongo brand continues to operate under Teladoc Health, and members may receive devices carrying either brand name depending on when they enrolled.
After each blood glucose or blood pressure reading, the device uploads the result to the Livongo Smart Cloud. An algorithm analyzes the reading, delivers a personalized tip directly on the device screen, and, if the reading falls outside a safe range, initiates an outreach call from a certified diabetes educator.
According to the American Diabetes Association, regular blood glucose monitoring is a cornerstone of effective diabetes self-management. Livongo operationalizes that recommendation by reducing the manual steps involved in monitoring and adding a layer of real-time coaching that standard meters do not provide.
The program is available at no direct cost to members whose employer or health plan has contracted with Teladoc Health. Spouses and covered dependents with qualifying conditions are often eligible as well.
Section 2: The Livongo Blood Glucose Meter
The Livongo blood glucose meter, also called the Livongo glucometer or the Livongo In Touch meter, is the centerpiece of the diabetes management program. It is a cellular-connected device with a color touchscreen that uploads every reading automatically to the Livongo Smart Cloud without requiring Bluetooth pairing, a USB cable, or manual data entry.
Key Features
The meter delivers a glucose result in five seconds using a 0.8-microliter blood sample, which is small enough for most people to obtain with minimal discomfort from a standard finger stick.
After each result, the meter displays a personalized tip based on the reading. If a reading is very low (below 50 mg/dL) or very high (above 400 mg/dL), the meter displays an urgent on-screen message with step-by-step guidance, and a certified diabetes educator follows up by phone. Members can also initiate contact with a coach directly from the meter at any time.
A published study in Diabetes Care (Kaufman et al., 2019) found that Livongo program participants experienced an 18.4% reduction in hypoglycemic days and a 16.4% reduction in hyperglycemic days compared to their baseline month, across a dataset of 4,544 members.
How to Set Up the Livongo Meter
- Charge the meter overnight using the included USB cable before first use.
- Press and hold the On/Off button for three seconds to power on.
- On first startup, select whether insulin is used and choose a preferred language (English or Spanish).
- Complete registration at my.livongo.com or through the Livongo mobile app.
- Insert a test strip into the meter port, apply a small blood sample to the strip tip, and wait five seconds for the result.
- The meter uploads the reading automatically. No additional steps are required.
The meter enters sleep mode after two minutes of inactivity to conserve battery. Powering down completely requires holding the On/Off button for three seconds.
People managing diabetes who also use insulin injection therapy will find the setup process familiar, as the meter prompts for insulin use status on first startup.
A Note on Accuracy
The Livongo blood glucose monitoring system has been clinically validated in a peer-reviewed study by Angelides et al. using isotope dilution UPLC-MRM mass spectrometry as the reference standard. Like all FDA-cleared blood glucose meters, it operates within a tolerance range of approximately plus or minus 15 to 20% of the true value, consistent with international accuracy standards for self-monitoring blood glucose devices.
Members who observe consistent differences of more than 20% between the Livongo meter and another meter should contact Livongo member support, as the program's replacement policy applies when variance exceeds that threshold.
Section 3: Livongo Test Strips: Where to Buy and What They Cost
Livongo test strips are proprietary strips designed for use only with the Livongo blood glucose meter. They are not compatible with other meters, and third-party strips do not work with the Livongo device.
Unlimited Strips for Program Members
Members enrolled in the Livongo Diabetes Management program through an employer or health plan receive test strips and lancets at no cost, in unlimited quantity. Reordering is done directly from the meter with a single tap, or through the Livongo app. New supplies ship automatically when stock runs low.
The American Diabetes Association's Standards of Medical Care notes that self-monitoring frequency should match the individual's insulin regimen and management goals. Having no supply cost removes a practical barrier to meeting that standard.
Where to Buy Livongo Test Strips
Members who are not enrolled through an employer or health plan, or who need additional strips outside the program, can find Livongo blood glucose test strips through third-party retailers including Amazon. Availability is inconsistent and prices vary. The 50-count vial has been listed between $15 and $35 depending on the seller.
The most reliable source for current pricing and availability is the Livongo member portal or Livongo customer service at 1-800-945-4355.
Members with active program enrollment should always reorder through the Livongo meter or app rather than purchasing separately, as program-supplied strips are provided at no charge.
Section 4: The Livongo Blood Pressure Monitor
The Livongo blood pressure monitor is part of the Hypertension Management program, available separately from or alongside the Diabetes Management program for eligible members.
People living with both diabetes and high blood pressure carry a compounded risk burden. Understanding what high blood pressure actually feels like day to day can help members engage more consistently with monitoring, which is where the Livongo blood pressure program adds practical value.
How It Works
Like the blood glucose meter, the Livongo blood pressure monitor connects to the Livongo Smart Cloud and uploads readings automatically to the app. After each measurement, the app displays personalized tips related to nutrition, stress management, and physical activity. Members with readings outside safe ranges receive follow-up coaching support.
The included cuff fits arm circumferences from 8.6 to 16.5 inches (22 to 42 centimeters), which covers most adults. Members who require a different cuff size can contact Livongo customer service for options.
What the App Displays
The Livongo app aggregates blood pressure readings into trend graphs, giving members and their care teams a longitudinal view of patterns rather than isolated single readings. Members can share these reports directly with a personal physician through the app.
Hypertension management features are governed by program eligibility. A doctor can advise on individual cases to determine whether the Livongo Hypertension program is appropriate alongside existing treatment.
Section 5: The Livongo Scale and Weight Management Program
The Livongo scale is a connected smart scale included in the Weight Management and Diabetes Prevention programs for qualifying members. It syncs weight measurements to the Livongo app automatically, where readings appear alongside blood glucose and blood pressure data.
Weight Management Program
The Livongo Weight Management program pairs the smart scale with one-on-one coaching sessions focused on nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral habit formation. Members must have a qualifying body mass index (BMI) and meet additional program criteria to be eligible. Pregnant individuals and those with a BMI below the qualifying threshold are not eligible for this program.
Dietary choices play a central role in weight management for people with diabetes. Resources on foods that significantly affect blood sugar control can complement the coaching guidance provided through the program.
A separate Diabetes Prevention program, modeled on the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program, is available for people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes who do not yet have a diagnosis. This program also includes the Livongo scale and uses structured lifestyle intervention to help reduce the risk of progression.
A published trial in Diabetes Care (Bollyky et al., 2018) found that individualized digital coaching delivered through the Livongo platform was associated with meaningful improvements in glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes.
Section 6: Livongo Customer Service
Livongo customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the following channels:
- Phone: 1-800-945-4355 (TTY: 711)
- Email: help@livongo.com
- In-app messaging: Available through the Livongo mobile app
- Member portal: my.livongo.com
Common reasons members contact support include eligibility questions, device replacement requests, supply reorders, app login issues, and adding a family member to the program.
Members who receive a meter that reads more than 20% above or below expected values can request a replacement device through customer service.
For questions about employer or health plan eligibility, Livongo recommends contacting an HR or benefits department first, then calling the Livongo support line with a registration code if one has been provided. If no code is available, the support team can look up eligibility by employer name.
Members who want to understand whether their existing health insurance covers the Livongo program or comparable digital health tools can review what standard health insurance plans typically cover before calling.
A doctor or specialist can be located through Momentary Lab's provider directory for members who need a clinical referral alongside the Livongo coaching program.
Section 7: How Livongo Integrates With Teladoc Health
Livongo became part of Teladoc Health following the 2020 acquisition, per Teladoc Health investor relations. The two platforms have been progressively integrated, and members may notice Teladoc Health branding on newer devices, though program functionality remains the same.
What Changed After the Acquisition
Teladoc Health expanded the clinical reach of the Livongo platform by integrating its network of licensed physicians and mental health providers. Members enrolled in condition management programs can now access virtual care appointments with Teladoc Health physicians, including for prescription management, within the same ecosystem.
For members who are new to virtual care, understanding how virtual primary care works and what telehealth visits cost without insurance can help set accurate expectations before a first Teladoc appointment.
Teladoc Health care providers can prescribe GLP-1 medications to qualifying members enrolled in specific programs, subject to clinical criteria and prior authorization requirements. A broader overview of how GLP-1 medications work within telehealth weight loss programs is available for members exploring that pathway. A doctor can advise on whether GLP-1 eligibility applies to an individual case.
Data Privacy
Livongo and Teladoc Health operate under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliance standards. Individual health readings, including blood glucose levels, blood pressure measurements, and weight data, are not visible to an employer or health plan. Only the member, the Teladoc Health care team, and the member's designated coaches have access to individual readings. Members may choose to share their data with a personal physician through the app.
Section 8: Is Livongo Covered by Insurance?
The Livongo Diabetes Management program is covered in full for members whose employer or health plan has contracted with Teladoc Health. There is no premium, copay, deductible contribution, or device charge for eligible members. Shipping of the welcome kit and ongoing supply shipments, including test strips and lancets, is also included at no cost.
Members with questions about how dual coverage or secondary insurance might interact with a Livongo benefit can review how having two health insurance plans works for general guidance before contacting their benefits administrator.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility requires two conditions to be met:
- A diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes (or hypertension, for the blood pressure program)
- Enrollment through a qualifying employer, health plan, or healthcare provider organization
The quickest way to confirm eligibility is through the Livongo eligibility portal or by calling 1-800-945-4355. Spouses and covered dependents on the same health plan are often eligible and can enroll separately.
If Your Employer Does Not Offer Livongo
Members whose employers do not offer the Livongo program do not currently have a direct-to-consumer enrollment path for the full platform. A doctor can help identify comparable covered digital health programs through existing insurance, or assess whether a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is clinically indicated and covered under a member's plan.
For members managing macrovascular complications of diabetes or related conditions, finding the right specialist support matters as much as the monitoring device. Momentary Lab's AI healthcare navigator can help identify options based on specific coverage and condition type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Livongo meter? The Livongo meter is a cellular-connected blood glucose meter that automatically uploads readings to the Livongo Smart Cloud after each test. It delivers a personalized tip on the device screen and initiates outreach from a certified diabetes educator when readings fall outside a safe range. It is provided at no cost to eligible members through employer or health plan enrollment.
How much is Livongo per month? Livongo costs nothing out of pocket for members who qualify through a participating employer or health plan. The program, including the device, unlimited test strips and lancets, and coaching access, is paid for by the employer or health plan. There is no monthly fee charged directly to the member.
What is Livongo called now? Livongo is now part of Teladoc Health, which acquired the company in 2020. The Livongo brand name continues to be used for the program, devices, and member-facing communications. Newer devices may carry Teladoc Health branding, but the program structure and support remain the same under both names.
How does Livongo work? After each blood glucose test, the Livongo meter uploads the reading via cellular connection to the Livongo Smart Cloud. An algorithm generates a personalized health tip displayed on the meter. For out-of-range readings, a certified diabetes educator initiates a follow-up call. Members can also contact coaches through the meter or mobile app. All data is stored under HIPAA protections and can be shared with a physician at the member's discretion.
A Note on Spelling Variations
Searches for this platform frequently appear as "levongo," "livingo meter," "liveongo," "livelongo," and "livego." All of these refer to the same platform: Livongo by Teladoc Health. The correct spelling is Livongo.
For clinical guidance specific to an individual's diabetes management plan, a licensed healthcare provider can advise based on personal health history and current medications. Find a doctor near you through Momentary Lab.
