A pharmaceutical giant has issued a widespread product recall affecting 17 countries, including the UK. Abbott is recalling approximately three million blood glucose sensors, widely used by people affected by diabetes, amid fears of potential malfunctions.

The devices affected are certain FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus glucose monitors manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care. The recall comes amid fears they may provide incorrect low glucose readings, which could lead to inappropriate treatment decisions for people with diabetes.

The recall is affecting a large number of countries, including the UK, France and the US. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said on its website: "The FDA is aware that Abbott Diabetes Care has issued a letter to distributors, health care providers, and affected customers recommending certain glucose monitor sensors be removed from where they are used or sold."

The US body added the FreeStyle Libre 3 Sensor (Model Numbers: 72081-01, 72080-01 with Unique Device Identifiers (UDI-DI): 00357599818005, 00357599819002) and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor (Model Numbers: 78768-01, 78769-01, Unique Device Identifiers (UDI-DI): 00357599844011, 00357599843014) are affected by the recall.

FreeStyle Libre 3 readers and mobile apps are not impacted. Additionally, no other Libre products (FreeStyle Libre 14 day, FreeStyle Libre 2, FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus, or Libre Pro sensors) or Abbott biowearables are impacted, the FDA said.

Abbott has invited customers to check here whether their devices are impacted, as it offers free replacements in light of the recall.

The malfunctions may be linked to more than 700 serious injuries and seven deaths reported globally. The FDA's website read: "Abbott Diabetes Care stated that certain FreeStyle Libre 3 and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors provide incorrect low glucose readings.

"If undetected, incorrect low glucose readings over an extended period may lead to wrong treatment decisions for people living with diabetes, such as excessive carbohydrate intake or skipping or delaying insulin doses. These decisions may pose serious health risks, including potential injury or death, or other less serious complications.

"As of November 14, 2025, Abbott has reported 736 serious injuries, and seven deaths associated with this issue."