Diabetes Tech Fails: Life-Threatening Errors Emerge

Patients relying on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are facing serious safety concerns due to reported inaccuracies and malfunctions in devices like Dexcom's G7 and Abbott's FreeStyle Libre. Tensions are high as users report dangerously erroneous readings, with one individual nearly suffering a severe hypoglycemic event due to a faulty Dexcom G6 reading. The accuracy of Dexcom's newer G7 model is particularly under scrutiny, with US regulators issuing a warning letter in March 2025 regarding its reliance on older data and the use of a new, less accurate sensor component.

Concerns extend to alarm system failures, highlighted by a coronial investigation into a fatal crash in Daylesford, Victoria. The driver, who used an Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2, reportedly did not hear critical low-blood-sugar alarms due to a Bluetooth issue, a potential problem that Australian regulators had not explicitly communicated to users despite receiving relevant adverse event reports. Manufacturers like Abbott recommend users disable automatic smartphone operating system updates to prevent connection issues, while experts question the adequacy of current regulatory approval standards for these high-risk medical devices.