Abbott explains why glucometers were recalled

Abbott Diabetes Care said the FreeStyle Insulinx blood glucose meter was recalled due to a technical defect that may affect blood glucose readings, especially if the result is equal to or higher than 1024 mg/dl. Such readings may occur in very rare cases, it said in a written statement.

The company said that the meter is neither marketed nor sold in Saudi Arabia or any other Arabic market, but is only marketed in the United States, Canada and some European countries.

Abbott Diabetes Care stated that none of its other blood glucose meters, which are marketed in Saudi Arabia, are impacted by this recall.

The company has requested all FreeStyle Insulinx users who obtained their meters from outside Saudi Arabia either to update its software on the website: www.freestyleinsulinx.com/swupdate or to contact the customer service center on 800 124 1238 (ext. 425) to

The meter is neither marketed nor sold in Saudi Arabia or any other Arabic market, but is only marketed in the United States, Canada and some European countries.

replace the meter free of charge with one authorized for sale in the Kingdom.

The statement said that Abbott Diabetes Care contacted the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as part of normal procedures to clarify the consequences.

Technical defects may cause a delay in diagnosis or inappropriate treatment for incorrect blood glucose levels.