VERIFY | Warning for people who use smartphone-linked diabetes devices

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Here’s a health alert for those who use smartphone apps to manage their diabetes.

The FDA is sounding the alarm after receiving multiple reports of users missing or not hearing important medical alerts from their phones.

So what are some things you need to look out for?

According to the CDC, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes. This warning is for people who use diabetes apps like continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and other diabetes management devices.

What do you need to know so you don’t miss important alerts? Let’s verify.

The FDA said this warning applies to wearable devices that track patients’ sugar levels or automatically deliver insulin.

Many of these devices are programmed through apps on patients’ phones. However, the FDA warns that certain phone settings, like pausing notifications, may cause users to miss critical alerts.

“I do want us to recognize how useful and helpful they can be, but also to understand that there are a few drawbacks or things that you need to consider as well when you are using these smart apps to make sure that you’re using them safely and to make sure that you’re using them to the best of their capabilities as well,” Dr. Robinson said.

“Here is what FDA regulators recommend: making sure glucose monitoring apps are working properly,” she continued. “Turn off automatic updates on your smartphone until you’ve confirmed the new operating system is compatible with your diabetes app. You definitely want to make sure that all of your notifications have been configured to where above all else, you’ll still get them.”

After connecting your smartphone to a new accessory like Bluetooth headphones, confirm that app alerts are still being delivered and can be heard clearly.

And once a month, double-check that your smartphone’s notification settings haven’t changed.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free WCNC+ app to get the news that impacts you.