US EditionDiabetics who rely on glucose monitors are alarmed by recall linked to 7 deaths
Abbott recalled about 3 million sensors after reports of seven deaths and over 730 serious injuries, raising concerns about the reliability of glucose monitoring technology.
- In December, Abbott Diabetes Care recalled about 3 million FreeStyle Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus sensors after reports of false low glucose readings linked to 736 serious adverse events and seven deaths worldwide.
- Abbott attributed the faulty readings to a production line issue that was reportedly fixed; spokesperson Lindsy Delco stated the company investigates all adverse event reports seriously.
- Michael Ford, a 68-year-old Oakland resident, died after his sensor gave a false low reading, prompting caregiver son Davonte Ford to administer carbohydrates; Davonte's wrongful death lawsuit claims the reading was "catastrophically inaccurate."
- Attorneys and families question whether the recall is comprehensive, suggesting the true number of injuries could exceed the 860 cited by Abbott, while multiple class action lawsuits seek accountability.
- Continuous glucose monitors serve an estimated 40.1 million Americans with diabetes; Dr. Amy Warriner, an endocrinologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, warns that "sadly, technology can break.
19 Articles
19 Articles
What you should know about wearable glucose monitors in wake of recall
Dresden, FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor and app on the smartphone. The CGM device is measuring the glucose in the tissue and sending data to the digital health application.(Getty Images/Felix Geringswald) Dresden, FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor and app on the smartphone. The CGM device is measuring the glucose in the tissue and sending data to the digital health application.(Getty Images/Felix Geringswald) The number of reported problems tied to millions o…
NBC San Diego
Abbott glucose sensors for diabetes patients linked to 7 deaths and hundreds of injuries
Michael Ford was not in good health, but his Type 2 diabetes was manageable. His son, Davonte Ford, was his full-time caregiver — bathing Michael, administering his medications and dutifully responding to the dips and peaks in Michael’s blood sugar. When father and son woke one November morning in their Oakland, California, home to a low blood sugar alert from Michael’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, part of a top-tier glucose monitoring system …
Telemundo Area de la Bahía 48
Michael Ford was not in good health, but his type 2 diabetes was manageable. His son, Davonte Ford, was his full-time caregiver: he bathed him, gave him his medications, and responded diligently to blood sugar rises and drops. When father and son woke up one November morning at his home in Oakland, California, with a low blood sugar alert from Michael's FreeStyle Free 3 Plus sensor, part of a first-line glucose monitoring system from medical man…
What caused the Abbott glucose sensor recall?
Manufacturing problem, patient risks, and immediate steps A manufacturing defect in millions of glucose sensors made by Abbott prompted regulators and the company to recall affected devices after the fault was linked to serious patient harm, including at least seven deaths and hundreds of injuries…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
