Faulty Abbott Glucose Monitors Cause 7 Deaths, Hundreds Injured: NPR
Abbott Diabetes Care has issued a warning regarding faulty glucose monitors that have been linked to seven fatalities and hundreds of serious injuries. This issue affects approximately 3 million units of the FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors.
Faulty Abbott Glucose Monitors: Scope of the Issue
The complications stem from internal testing, revealing that a specific production line produced defective sensors. Of the 3 million affected devices, around 1.5 million are presumed to have been used or expired. Abbott has advised customers to verify if their devices are impacted.
Health Risks Associated with Incorrect Readings
- Incorrect low glucose readings may lead to inappropriate treatment decisions.
- Serious decisions include excessive carbohydrate intake or delayed insulin doses.
- Consequences can include potential injury or death, along with other health complications.
To ensure safety, Abbott recommends that users with affected sensors discontinue use immediately and properly dispose of their devices. The company has made it clear that it will replace any faulty sensors at no cost to the customers.
Injury and Fatality Reports
All seven reported deaths occurred outside the United States. Among the 736 severe injuries associated with the faulty devices, 57 were documented within the U.S. These incidents underscore the serious implications of using malfunctioning diabetes management tools.
Guidance for Affected Users
Customers should visit FreeStyleCheck.com to check the status of their glucose monitors. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has additional details regarding the recall.
Despite the concerns, Abbott has stated that sensor production will continue without significant supply disruptions anticipated. Glucose monitoring remains vital for individuals with diabetes, aiding in the management of blood sugar levels and medication decisions.
