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Internet diabetic specialists issue caution on alleged 'wonder drugs'

Unscrupulous retail outlets exploiting diabetes patients with fake celebrity endorsements, dubious micro-needle patches, and non-refundable purchases: Essential warnings for consumers

Internet diabetes experts caution against purported "wonder drugs"
Internet diabetes experts caution against purported "wonder drugs"

Internet diabetic specialists issue caution on alleged 'wonder drugs'

In recent times, a concerning trend has emerged in the advertising of diabetes management products online. Many of these advertisements feature fake logos, no return address, or non-compliant imprints, leading to a lack of transparency and trustworthiness.

This lack of transparency means that much time has to be invested in correcting misinformation instead of addressing patients' diabetes symptoms. Unlicensed or unproven providers are advertising micronneedle patches, 'non-invasive' blood glucose meters, and other diabetes management products, often with false promises of lowering blood sugar and weight.

Deep-fake videos are frequently used in these advertisements to mislead consumers. Celebrities are often manipulated in these videos to make claims about these products they never did. This deceptive practice has prompted warnings from diabetes organizations, who have identified three red flags: miracle cure promises, false logos or expert quotes, and missing imprints, return address, or contact information.

Patients are increasingly turning to their doctors with questions about products they've seen or even ordered online. Medical professional societies, such as the German Diabetes Society (DDG) and the Federal Association of Outpatient Diabetologists (BVND), have spoken out against these fraudulent offers. The DDG President, Julia Szendroedi, has stated that the DDG, as a medical-scientific professional society, does not sell or recommend diabetes products.

The BVND has expressed concern over these practices, stating that they are a significant issue. Websites claiming to be operated by the German Diabetes Society (DDG) or other serious organizations like Diabetes Hilfe are potentially deceptive. Refraining from purchase is advised when there is a lack of imprint, return address, or contact information.

Sadly, many affected individuals report receiving no delivery or inferior devices, such as simple pulse oximeters with no diabetic utility, after ordering products. Refunds or complaints are impossible due to the anonymous nature of these providers.

The search results do not specify the names of the three companies or providers warned by the four diabetes associations for unauthorized advertising related to blood sugar regulation and A1C products. However, the increasing demand for counseling in practices due to these fraudulent offers serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution when shopping for diabetes management products online.

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