BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning against using smartwatches and smart rings advertised as capable of measuring blood sugar levels. The FDA stated that these devices lack scientific validation and sufficient evidence to support their claims, making them unreliable for medical use. Consumers have been urged to exercise caution and avoid using these devices as substitutes for approved medical equipment.
The FDA raised concerns about public safety, highlighting the potential risks of relying on unverified technology for health monitoring. Inaccurate measurements could result in improper treatment decisions, which may pose serious or life-threatening risks. Instead, the agency recommends using FDA-approved blood glucose meters, such as lancing devices, for accurate and reliable monitoring of blood sugar levels.
To address misleading claims, the FDA has already suspended advertisements promoting unapproved medical features in smartwatches and smart rings. Legal actions have been initiated against manufacturers and importers marketing such devices without proper approval. Currently, no smart watch or smart ring available in Thailand has received FDA certification for measuring blood sugar levels.
The public has been encouraged to report suspicious or unapproved medical devices to the FDA through its hotline, email, or provincial public health offices. This allows the agency to investigate and take appropriate action to safeguard public health. (NNT)
