Health Canada recalls glucose monitors that may give ‘incorrect’ readings

Health Canada is asking diabetes patients to check if their glucose monitor is subject to an international recall that has serious health risks.

Health Canada is asking diabetes patients to check if their glucose monitor is subject to an international recall that has serious health risks.

The federal agency is recalling some FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors that may provide “incorrect” glucose readings.

“A subset of FreeStyle Libre® 3 plus sensors may provide incorrect low glucose readings. If undetected, incorrect low glucose readings over an extended period may lead to incorrect treatment decisions for people living with diabetes,” said Health Canada in its recall notice.

The recall warns incorrect readings may lead people to falsely believe their glucose levels are low.

If a user is led to believe their glucose levels are too low, Health Canada says they may consume too many carbohydrates, or skip or delay their insulin doses, which poses “serious health risks, including potential injury or death, or other less serious complications.”

These decisions may pose serious health risks, including potential injury or death, or other less serious complications.

The sensors are devices that measure glucose levels in fluid just beneath the skin, and send the information wirelessly to a device or phone.

Abbott Diabetes Care, which makes the devices, said in a news release last month that the affected products are potentially linked to seven deaths and more than 700 injuries worldwide.