One particularly vulgar aspect of the industry surrounding diabetes is the marketing of wonder-cures, usually via the Internet . These products claim to be effective in curing either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. US regulatory boards made a public warning yesterday about the industry.
The Food and Drug Administration, together with the US Federal Trade Commission sent out warning letters to a string of companies, and contacted agencies in other countries (including Mexico and Canada .)
Apparently, the US agencies found the fraudulent companies following a sweep of the Internet. Currently, there is no 100 per cent effective cure for diabetes. The FDA has the authority to impose penalties on these companies and seize products. The instant reaction of a number of sites has been to close down operations.
Lydia Parnes, a director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection (a part of the FTC), said: "The Internet can be a great source of information, but it also is a billboard for ads that promise miracle cures for diabetes and other serious diseases. Our advice to consumers: 'Be smart, be sceptical' when evaluating health claims online."
The companies were warned over their deceptive advertising policies. The FDA and FTC are fulfilling their role as watchdogs for this type of industry. In the future, perhaps all the companies who make outlandish claims (and in doing so potentially harm diabetic people) will face stricter regulation.
FDA highlights fake cures for diabetes
Fri, 20 Oct 2006
