According to the CDC, more than 34 million Americans have diabetes. To put this public health statistic into perspective, 1 in 10 people in your company, your neighbor’s friends, and members of your extended family are battling potentially life-threatening illnesses. The uninsured, those with high-deductible health plans, and low-income consumers face another challenge that makes diabetes management more difficult: the high cost of insulin. The high price has led many patients to ration insulin or to forego insulin altogether, often with disastrous health consequences.
Sadly, such high prices force many people to turn to questionable products that suggest users can become less dependent on insulin without solid scientific evidence. Such claims are powerful appeal to those struggling to pay for their prescriptions, but they put people with diabetes at risk of physical or financial harm. That’s why the FTC and FDA teamed up to name 10 companies selling diabetes treatments that allegedly have no scientific basis, including seven companies that posted these claims on social media.
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) cease and desist request and FDA warning letter cited broad claims for various herbs and botanical mixtures in online and social media ads, sometimes in English and Spanish.For example, companies claim that their particular product is “very effective at reducing high blood sugar” and “helps[s] Balance blood sugar levels in diabetics” and “Help[s] Maintains healthy A1c blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and prediabetes. ” Another product is aimed at those who “need to reduce [their] The Body Needs Insulin” describes it as “a clinically effective formula containing powerful ingredients designed to improve insulin sensitivity and enhance glycemic (sugar) control.”
According to the FDA warning letter, these products are “new drugs” and may not be sold without prior FDA approval. Recipients have 15 days to tell FDA what steps they have taken to resolve any violations. “Failure to adequately address these issues may result in legal action, including but not limited to seizure and injunctions.”
The FTC’s cease and desist request explicitly states that companies “must cease and desist from making any claims that a product can be effective without sufficient and reliable scientific evidence, including rigorously controlled human clinical studies, to substantiate those claims.” Statements to Prevent, Treat, or Cure Diabetes.” real. ” Additionally, “violations of the FTC Act may result in legal action seeking a federal district court injunction or administrative cease and desist order,” and marketers who make deceptive claims about the treatment, cure, or prevention of disease may be prosecuted under the FTC Act, face severe civil penalties. Commission’s Criminal Penalty Administration, 15 USC Section 45(m)(1)(B). The FTC also gave these companies 15 days to report specific actions they have taken to address these issues. action.
This is a message to companies who receive these letters. What does this mean for others making similar claims on websites and social media platforms? Stop it. Don’t put consumers at physical and financial risk by switching from proven treatments to products that are not backed by solid science.
