Dexcom Warning: Discarded Glucose Sensors Stolen and Resold on the Market
Dexcom reported on Tuesday that two batches of G7 continuous glucose monitors, which were scheduled for destruction, were stolen during the disposal process and resold by third parties. Some products carry an infection risk due to sterilization failure, while another batch has a high rate of internal test failures, potentially resulting in no readings. The company has not received reports of serious adverse events and has provided channels for inquiries and replacements.
News Highlights
- Dexcom warns patients that some disposed glucose sensors were stolen and resold.
- The diabetes technology company issued a notice on Tuesday (May 26) confirming that two batches of G7 continuous glucose monitors were stolen, sold, and used by some customers.
- Dexcom stated that no serious adverse events related to the stolen products have been reported. One batch of disposed devices poses an infection risk due to improper sterilization; the other batch has a higher internal test failure rate, potentially increasing the risk of users experiencing no sensor readings.
Incident Details
Dexcom stated that the affected sensors were stolen during the disposal process and subsequently resold by a third party. The company typically disposes of sensors that do not meet standards and outsources destruction and recycling to third-party vendors.
Dexcom traced the sales of the stolen devices to Pharmsource—a company that is not an authorized Dexcom distributor but supplies some independent pharmacies and U.S. durable medical equipment distributors. Therefore, Dexcom advises pharmacies that purchased products from Pharmsource to check their inventory.
A Pharmsource spokesperson responded via email, stating that the company purchased the affected sensors from licensed distributors and had no knowledge that the products were slated for disposal. The spokesperson added that the company immediately audited its inventory and took corrective measures upon learning of the issue, while emphasizing that it was not involved in Dexcom's disposal process.
"We will continue to assist authorities in investigating how Dexcom's disposal procedures led to stolen products entering the commercial market." — Pharmsource spokesperson
This issue primarily affects users in the United States. Users with sensors from the affected batches should not continue using them and can call customer service to request replacements. Dexcom has set up a dedicated website for users to check if their devices are affected.
Last year, Dexcom CEO Jake Leach stated that the company had fixed quality issues with the G7 after receiving reports about deployment, accuracy, and Bluetooth connectivity problems.
Editor's note: This article has been updated based on Pharmsource's statement.