FDA Warns Companies to Stop Bogus Diabetes Claims

The Food and Drug Administration has sent out warning letters to more than a dozen companies regarding their products, which falsely claim to successfully treat diabetes.

In general, the 15 products noted by the FDA claim that they can "naturally lower blood sugar," or that they can replace FDA-approved drugs for diabetes.

The products include:

• Dietary supplements
• So-called "natural" treatments
• Ayurvedic remedies
• Homeopathic remedies
• Illegally sold prescription drugs

Illegal activity

The bottom line is that selling alleged therapies is against the law. Either the claims are misleading or outright untrue because the products contain ingredients, which are often unlisted, that can be harmful or that are controlled by prescription.

Fortunately, the FDA has received no reports of harm, but it is easily foreseeable, especially in cases where the product is trying to replace a regularly used medication for diabetes.

In a statement, Gary Coody, RPh, national health fraud coordinator for the FDA said:

Bogus products for diabetes are particularly troubling because there are effective options available to help manage this serious disease rather than exposing patients to unproven and risky products.

Illegal products have vast availability

The products are being sold in brick and mortar stores as well as on the Internet, and the companies are located both in and outside of the United States.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, said in a statement:

Consumers who buy violative products that claim to be treatments are not only putting themselves at risk, but also may not be seeking necessary medical attention, which could affect their diabetes management.

Targeted brands include:

• Diexi
• Diaberex
• Glytain
• Sugar Balancer
• Insupro Forte
• Eradicator
• Glucocil

Source: FDA