Abbott warns of faulty sensors: Blood glucose sensors report incorrect values

The pharmaceutical company Abbott is currently informing its customers via email about problems with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor. The sensor, named FreeStyle Libre, is usually worn by patients with diabetes on the upper arm and transmits values to the user's mobile phone or a special reader every minute. Typically, people with insulin-dependent diabetes wear such a sensor, but occasionally athletes or people who want to optimize their diet also use devices of this type temporarily.

Users of Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3 and 3 plus sensors have apparently encountered issues. According to the manufacturer's info email, some devices of these two versions are sending incorrectly low glucose readings. If a patient mistakenly assumes very low blood sugar levels, they will not use insulin and will typically consume glucose tablets. The consequence is significantly high blood sugar levels, which, however, remain undetected due to a faulty sensor.

If the problem persists over a longer period, it can lead to incorrect therapy decisions in people with diabetes, the email further states. The manufacturer emphasizes: "These decisions can have serious health risks, including possible injuries or deaths, as well as other less serious complications."

Issues already since April?

As reported online by Deutsche Apothekerzeitung (DAZ), general practitioner Laura Dalhaus from Borken already pointed out the issue at the beginning of April 2025. In a short video on LinkedIn she described the case of a patient whose sensor repeatedly reported very low values. However, control measurements showed these values to be incorrect.

In response to her video, the doctor received various comments. Colleagues and other patients confirmed the experience with falsely low values from Abbott sensors in some cases. However, many comments were also critical. In response to an inquiry from DAZ, the manufacturer stated at the time: "We can confirm that there is no faulty batch and no product or quality issues."

Manufacturer provides replacement

To determine whether the currently used sensor or devices not yet in use are affected by the issue, customers can check the serial numbers of their devices on a dedicated website specifically set up for this purpose. Abbott writes in the email to customers that anyone currently using a faulty sensor must stop using it immediately and dispose of the device. Customers will receive a free replacement sensor for each affected device.

(vza)