The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it has received multiple reports of users missing or not hearing important medical alerts from their phones, leading to cases of dangerously low blood sugar and even death. But the FDA warns that certain phone settings, such as pausing notifications, may cause patients to miss critical updates.
In other cases, connecting the phone to a new audio source, such as a car stereo, could change the volume of the alerts users are accustomed to hearing. Roughly 37 million Americans have diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors are small devices that use a sensor under the skin to measure blood sugar, sending regular readings to a smartphone or smartwatch. Automated insulin pumps deliver the hormone through a catheter attached to the abdomen and can be programmed to deliver extra insulin before meals.
How to make sure glucose-monitoring apps are working properly. FDA regulators recommend:. FDA regulates only some health app features. Since the introduction of iPhone and Android devices, thousands of apps have launched claiming to help users manage their health, from calorie counters to mental health apps. The agency mostly enforces safety requirements on apps that turn smartphones into the equivalent of devices, for example, by monitoring heart rhythms or other critical medical readings.
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Patients using diabetes apps can miss critical alerts. Here's how to make sure you're getting them. Matthew Perrone Associated Press. Tags: Courtney Lias , Washington news , Health. Recommended Videos. Get ready for some fabulous Insider Deals that will help you enjoy a cozy night's sleep and some that will elevate your style and beauty game. Elevate your style and beauty game with these Insider Deals Read full article: Elevate your style and beauty game with these Insider Deals.
