How to Make Sure You’re Getting Critical Alerts from Diabetes Apps
FDA Warns of Serious Health Risks if Patients Miss Notifications
Patients who use smartphone apps to manage their diabetes could face serious health problems if they miss notifications needed to control their blood sugar, U.S. health officials warned. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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.
How to Make Sure Glucose-Monitoring Apps are Working Properly
To ensure that your glucose-monitoring apps are working properly, the FDA recommends the following:
- Turn off automatic updates on your smartphone until you’ve confirmed the new operating system is compatible with your diabetes app.
- After connecting your smartphone to a new accessory, such as Bluetooth headphones, confirm that app alerts are still being delivered and can be heard clearly.
- Once a month, double-check that your smartphone’s notification settings haven’t changed.
FDA Regulates Only Some Health App Features
The FDA doesn’t regulate the vast majority of health apps, as they don’t pose much risk to consumers if they malfunction. The agency mostly enforces safety requirements on apps that turn smartphones into devices, such as monitoring heart rhythms or other critical medical readings.
Conclusion
It is crucial for patients with diabetes to ensure that their glucose-monitoring apps are working properly to avoid serious health risks. By following the FDA’s recommendations, patients can take control of their health and avoid potentially life-threatening consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important to turn off automatic updates on my smartphone?
A: Turning off automatic updates ensures that you can confirm the new operating system is compatible with your diabetes app, preventing potential disruptions to critical alerts.
Q: What should I do if I connect my smartphone to a new accessory and my app alerts stop working?
A: Confirm that app alerts are still being delivered and can be heard clearly, and double-check your smartphone’s notification settings to ensure they haven’t changed.
Q: How often should I check my smartphone’s notification settings?
A: It’s recommended to check your smartphone’s notification settings once a month to ensure they haven’t changed and that critical alerts are still being delivered.
