Fake diabetes medication and equipment on the rise in Canada, experts warn – National [Video]

From oral drops falsely marketed as GLP-1 alternatives to unauthorized smartwatches claiming to monitor blood sugar without a single finger prick, a wave of fraudulent diabetes-related products are popping up on Canadian websites, prompting urgent warnings from health officials.

Recently, Diabetes Canada says it has received a surge in calls and emails from people with diabetes who saw and even purchased fraudulent medical products online.

The fake diabetes products often feature false endorsements, misusing logos from the Canadian government, Diabetes Canada and Obesity Canada.

“Over the last few months, Diabetes Canada has received a spike in calls and emails to our info and referral team from people with diabetes who saw or bought a fraudulent diabetes-related medical product,” Laura Syron, president and CEO of Diabetes Canada, said in an online statement on May 22.

“As someone who lives with Type 2 diabetes, I know how distressing it would be …