FDA Warning: Use Only Authorized Diabetes Management Devices

The Food and Drug Administration agency is putting out a stern warning that the use of unauthorized diabetes management technologies could result in inaccurate blood glucose measurements or unsafe insulin dosing. This, in turn, could lead to injury requiring medical intervention or even death, according to FDA.

In a press release, the agency acknowledged its awareness of patients who create and purchase unauthorized devices for self-treatment due to cost, desperation or personal preferences. They warned that without proper knowledge and approval of these devices from the FDA, they were putting their lives at risk.

Use Only FDA Approved Devices For Diabetes Treatment

“Millions of Americans use continuous glucose monitors and insulin delivery devices to monitor and treat their diabetes,” Jeff Shuren, MD, director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in the release.

According to Shuren, because of the devices and it’s potential to save lives, many Americans and/or patients are unaware of the dangers these devices pose if abused. Therefore by making use of products that haven’t yet been approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness purposes, patients risk hurting themselves even more.

He went on to stress that the FDA’s warning is a part of their current health commitment to the public as they aim to protect patients and convey to the public such issue that arises from the misuse of medical devices.

There have been FDA approved devices such as 2016’s Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G System which is intended to automatically monitor a patient’s blood sugar and adjust basal insulin doses accordingly in patient’s with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetes In the Philippines

According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), there were over 3.721.900 cases of diabetes in the Philippines in 2017.

Total adult population : 60,327,000
Prevalence of diabetes in adults: 6.2%
Total cases of diabetes in adults: 3,721,900

Besides being a part of the IDF, the Philippines also has various non-profit or government organizations aimed at educating the public about diabetes. Such as the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation, Inc and the Philippine Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM). These organizations hold annual events with the purpose of generating public awareness and helping early detection of the disease.

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