Scam advertisements for glucose monitoring

Glucose monitoring is an important part of diabetes management, so having the right productor device to do this safely and accurately is essential.

Recently, there have been an increasing number of ads on social media platforms promoting glucose monitoring products that can accurately measure glucose levels directly from the surface of the skin. These products are a scam.

At this point in time, there are no devices that can accurately measure glucose without piercing the skin. If you see ads for watches or gadgets that claim to measure glucose levels from the skin surface, please do not purchase them.

Which devices are reliable?

Let’s be very clear. Currently, the only TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approved devices for monitoring glucose levels are:

Blood glucose meters that use a lancing device with a lancet to prick the finger to obtain a drop of blood
Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) with a cannula/sensor that is inserted through the skin to sense glucose level in the interstitial fluid around the cells

People with an NDSS card can obtain subsidised blood glucose strips and CGM products if they meet the criteria for each. You can find out more here: https://www.ndss.com.au/products/

Where should I get a glucose monitoring device?

The best place to purchase glucose monitoring products are from your pharmacy. You may be able to obtain a free blood glucose meter from your diabetes educator. You can also purchase CGM directly from the TGA approved companies.

How can I be sure if a glucose monitoring device will work?

If you are not sure whether a device is reliable or whether it in fact a scam, please check with your diabetes educator first, or contact the diabetes educators at Diabetes Victoria/NDSS Helpline 1800 637 700.