Abbott Issues Warning on Blood Sugar Monitoring Sensors
- Abbott has issued a warning regarding some of its blood sugar monitoring systems, indicating that sensors may require replacement.
- This change is essential to prevent inaccurate readings that could affect the health management of users.
- Patients relying on these devices should check with Abbott for further guidance on sensor replacement.
Abbott Laboratories has issued a warning regarding potential inaccuracies in blood sugar readings from its FreeStyle Libre 3 monitoring system. The company announced on Thursday that certain sensors may incorrectly report elevated blood sugar levels, which could lead patients to administer unnecessary insulin. This issue affects devices distributed in the United States during the first half of May, with Abbott estimating that less than 1% of users are impacted. The FreeStyle Libre system, which includes a sensor, reader, and app, allows individuals with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels without the need for finger pricks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these devices in 2017. Abbott has assured customers that those using other versions of the FreeStyle Libre system or residing outside the U.S. are not affected by this issue. To address the problem, Abbott will replace the faulty sensors at no cost to the users. The company has advised customers to visit its website to determine if their sensor is among those affected. The specific lot numbers linked to the potential inaccuracies are T60001948, T60001966, and T60001969. The Associated Press Health and Science Department, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, is responsible for reporting this development. Abbott's proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and accuracy of its blood sugar monitoring systems for users.