2023-07-15 04:20:51
Title: Popular Diabetes App Pulled From Apple Store Leaves Users Worried About Health Monitoring
Subtitle: Glucose monitoring app update causes backlash among diabetic community
Date: [Current Date]
By: [Your Name]
[image copyrightDavid Burchell]
People with diabetes can no longer use a popular app to check their blood sugar, after an app update caused it to stop working on some Apple devices. Users wear a small sensor inserted into their bodies that sends data to a disease app.
Abbott, the manufacturer of the Freestyle Libre, claims that it is the best sensor-based glucose monitoring system worldwide. However, its app has stopped working on some Apple devices and has now been pulled from the App Store.
According to Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), there are 200,000 users of these types of sensors in the UK. Abbott assured the BBC that the issue only affected customers in the UK and expects the app to be available again soon.
Nevertheless, a significant online backlash has emerged from people who rely on the app to ensure their health. Users express concerns and fear over the sudden unavailability of the app. David Burchill, a type 1 diabetes patient, described the situation as “very scary.” He shared his experience of waking up to a malfunctioning sensor and expressed frustration with the lack of support from Abbott.
“I have spoken to [Abbott] several times where this kind of thing has happened before,” Burchill said. “But when I try to re-download it, they removed it from the app store, so I couldn’t download it.”
For many users like Sonia Slator from Belfast, the app is “very important” in managing their condition. Not having access to the app feels like going back to the time when frequent finger pricks were necessary for monitoring blood sugar levels.
The LibreLink app, developed by Abbott, connects to a continuous glucose monitor, enabling individuals with type 1 diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels seamlessly. It eliminates the need for constant blood sampling through finger pricks and provides real-time glucose level updates, enabling informed decisions about meals and exercise routines.
Unfortunately, Abbott faced criticism after the glucose monitor stopped interacting with the app for some Apple users. The company attributed the issue to an update aimed at improving the quality of life for users. This update allowed the glucose monitor to send app data continuously, eliminating the need for testing. Rival company Dexcom already offers this feature.
However, after the update, several iPhone users reported that the app had stopped working entirely, preventing them from monitoring their blood sugar levels.
David Burchill shared that he was “luckily” able to continue checking himself due to access to a handheld sensor. Yet, this sensor did not transmit data to other devices. Users without such sensors had to resort to taking multiple fingerstick blood tests a day to monitor their glucose levels.
Despite Abbott’s temporary removal of the app from the App Store, solutions to improve it are being actively explored. Users experiencing problems with the iOS application are advised to uninstall and reinstall the app. The company has also urged customers to contact their customer service line for assistance.
Sonia expressed relief that the Android version of the app is still available for download in the UK, ensuring uninterrupted use for some users. Nevertheless, the sudden unavailability of the app has left many feeling concerned and inconvenienced, as they struggle to find alternative methods to monitor their blood sugar levels.
The diabetic community hopes for a quick resolution to the issue, as they emphasize the app’s importance in making their lives easier and more flexible. For now, they anxiously await a solution that will allow them to resume using the device that offers valuable real-time monitoring and peace of mind.]
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