In the United States there are around 17 million people with diabetes. Each of these people need certain Diabetes Supplies. While this may not seem like a huge number it does afflict around 6% of the population.
Do you buy diabetic products on the Internet? If so, you know you have lots of companies to choose from (Top 5 Sites) . According to a study by Cyber Dialogue, 11 million consumers are shopping on the Internet for health and beauty products, and that number is projected to grow to 55 million by 2005.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to know some of the advantages and pitfalls of buying diabetic supplies on the Internet. Buying on-line offers privacy, convenience and potential cost-savings, but personal data given by the consumer can be misused by unscrupulous dealers. While the Internet offers many quality diabetes devices from legitimate sites, it also offers devices that don't work and some that may even harm you or your family. Some Web sites sell devices that have not been cleared or approved by the FDA. Other Web sites sell prescription medical devices without asking for a prescription. Some foreign Web sites sell medical devices to customers in the United States where the medical devices have not been cleared or approved for sale.
The FDA has monitored Internet sales of health products for several years and has sent warnings about illegal practices to more than 50 companies. Even though its resources are limited, the FDA is increasing its monitoring of Internet sales and is working with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop illegal advertising. The FTC works with both state and Federal consumer protection and public health agencies. It can take legal actions against Internet advertisers of health products that run false or misleading advertisements.
How can you be a wise consumer?
• Pay attention to labels. If the instructions are in many languages or if measurements are in S.I. (metric) units, the product may be intended for sale in another country, not the U.S. This can mean the product does not meet U.S. requirements and may be of inferior quality.
• Beware of cure-alls claims, amazing results, and independent research that the government is supposedly hiding. Unscrupulous merchants have found a new audience for miracle cure-alls on the Internet. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Ask the seller, "Has the FDA cleared or approved this product for sale in the United States?"
• Talk to your healthcare professional about medical devices that you plan to buy on the Internet.
• Beware of sites that do not include an address and telephone in the United States.
The Internet offers many opportunities for consumers to receive new information and new offers of legitimate diabetes products. Unfortunately, it is difficult to examine an Internet business in the same way as you would a local store. It is easy for a dishonest merchant to set up a professional-looking Web site. However, if you take a few simple precautions, your Internet purchase can be a worthwhile experience.
