As the number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to grow, an increasing number of products marketed under the guise of "dietary supplements" or "over-the-counter drugs" promising to prevent, treat, and even cure diabetes are being sold illegally. The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration advises consumers not to use such products - for many reasons. For example, they may contain harmful ingredients or no active ingredients at all. They may also be improperly marketed as nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs or dietary supplements when they have hidden prescription drugs in the product.
These products carry an additional risk if they cause people to delay or discontinue effective treatments for diabetes. More than 38 million people in the U.S.
have diabetes, and almost 1-in-4 adults don't know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, approximately 96 million adults have pre-diabetes, meaning they have higher than normal blood sugar levels and can reduce their risks of developing diabetes through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. People with diabetes are at a greater risk for developing serious health complications, including: Death Heart disease Chronic kidney disease, Nerve damage, Foot health, Oral health, Hearing loss, Vision loss, Mental health A far-reaching problem Products that promise an easy fix might be tempting, but you are gambling with your health if you choose an unapproved, unregulated, or fra.
