Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the number of products advertised online that falsely claim endorsement by Diabetes Canada, often using our logo without authorization. Diabetes Canada does not endorse any medical health products, and all such advertisements or claims constitute fraudulent endorsements. These misleading ads are pervasive and feature items ranging from purported "GPL-1 oral drops" to counterfeit blood-glucose monitors, as well as entire websites falsely presenting themselves as affiliated with Diabetes Canada.
We understand how upsetting and damaging these scam products or endorsements can be to people who live with, or care for someone who lives with, diabetes.
Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more misinformation, myths and scams related to diabetes circulating online.
“Over the last few months, Diabetes Canada has received a spike in calls and emails to our Info & Referral team, from people with diabetes who saw or bought a fraudulent diabetes-related medical product. As someone who lives with type 2 diabetes, I know how distressing it would be to buy something that claimed to help manage your blood sugar levels, only to have it turn out to be a scam,” says Laura Syron, President & CEO of Diabetes Canada. “We are monitoring this rising tide of scam ads closely and continue to report them to the appropriate officials and agencies.”
What can you do?
Diabetes Canada advises people living with diabetes, caregivers and parents to first consult with their health care provider about their diabetes management when considering a change in device, treatment or medication.
If you see one of these fraudulent ads or products, please let us know by emailing info@diabetes.ca or calling 1-800 BANTING.