Learn more about Diabetic products and avoiding product scams
Diabetes is a serious health condition with the potential for various debilitating complications. It’s therefore not uncommon that a diabetes diagnosis often prompts a search for remedies to mitigate the effects. While this can be a great way to begin learning about the complexities of this disease, medical scammers and con artist target those most vulnerable to health care hype. Of most concern are fraudulent diabetes products with promises that supplant or delay appropriate medical intervention and the use of time tested diabetic care products. These present the greatest risk to the health and well being of a diabetic consumer.
Separating truth from hype is not always easily discernible especially when it comes to health care scams. Claims about the effectiveness of various diabetic food products to control or cure this disease can disarm consumers; especially if they are supported by various testimonials and even isolated clinical trials. While it is true that certain foods and diabetic care products can be beneficial, their use should be carefully evaluated in conjunction with your overall diabetic care program by your primary health care professionals.
Being aware of some common techniques and verbiage scammers use to lure unsuspecting consumers is one way to avoid diabetes product scams. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlight the following as fraud alerts or tip-offs to help you identify a diabetic product scam:
- Snake and Oil claims. The “one product does it all” is an old con that still works today. The FDA warn consumers to be suspicious of products that can cure a range of “incurable” diseases. For example, FDA’s request that U.S. marshals seized products marketed by a New York based firm that promise to treat or cure brain atrophy, kidney dysfunction, depression, osteoarthritis, lung, cervical and prostate cancer among other conditions was also supported by various testimonials of the products efficiency.
- Quick fixes. FDA suggest that consumers beware of product language that promise rapid recovery, cures and elimination of serious medical conditions. Studies show that even with legitimate products that have both scientific and empirical evidence based on innumerable clinical trials there are few conditions or treatments that effect recovery in 21 days or less.
- Products promoted as “all natural” may contain untested active artificial substances as well as hidden and dangerous levels of chemicals or prescription drug ingredients.
- Miracle cures. According to the FDA, “miracle cure claims” that are often introduced with marketing verbiage such as “new discovery,” “scientific breakthrough” or “secret ingredient.” represent a major fraud alert.
- Conspiracy theories. Claims that the pharmaceutical industry and the government are working together to hide information about a miracle cure should always be explored further before moving forward with the purchase of a diabetic care product or diabetic food product.
Even with these tips, it is possible to be lured into purchasing and using fraudulent diabetic products. Here are some additional tips on what you can do to avoid becoming a victim of a diabetic product scam.
- Make a note of the product and its claims and check with your doctor or other health care professional to determine if it can be used to augment or replace any component of your existing diabetic management program.
- Be careful to protect your personal information such as social security number, Medicare number and financial information when purchasing unproven diabetic products.
- Thoroughly research natural or alternative products with “amazing” claims about diabetes cures that come bottled or packaged as a diabetes food product, pill, supplement or beverage.
- Urgent prompts to buy now or act before an unbelievable or one-time only deal is no longer available should be seen as a scare tactic to prevent you from investigating the company, product and claims before you purchase.
Diabetes product scams can be found on various websites, social networks, in your personal email, on public forums as well as come through postal mail and phone solicitations. Be sure that you discuss all diabetes products including diabetes food products with a legitimate health care professional before incorporating them into your diabetic management plan with the proper Diabetes care products. This includes your diet, exercise regimen or as a medication substitute.
