Abbott has issued a warning regarding the sensors on some of its blood sugar monitoring systems, stating that they may need to be replaced to prevent inaccurate readings. The company revealed that testing showed certain sensors on the FreeStyle Libre 3 system could incorrectly report high blood sugar levels, potentially leading patients to take insulin when it is not necessary.
The affected devices were distributed in the United States during the first half of May. Abbott estimates that less than 1% of U.S. users are impacted by this issue. However, customers residing outside the U.S. or using different versions of the FreeStyle Libre system are not affected by this sensor replacement.
The FreeStyle Libre system is a continuous glucose monitoring system that consists of a sensor, a reader, and an app designed to assist individuals with diabetes in monitoring their blood sugar levels without the need to draw blood from their fingers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially approved the Abbott devices in 2017.
To address the situation, Abbott has announced that it will replace the affected sensors at no cost to the users. Individuals are advised to visit the company's website to verify whether their sensor is among those impacted. The affected sensors are identified by the following lot numbers: T60001948, T60001966, T60001969.
It is crucial for individuals using the FreeStyle Libre 3 system to take note of this announcement and take the necessary steps to ensure the accuracy of their blood sugar readings. By promptly replacing the sensors, users can avoid potential risks associated with inaccurate high blood sugar readings.
